MIDLAND PRIVATE HIRE DRIVER JAILED FOR SEX ASSAULT
A man working as a private hire driver in Birmingham has been sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting a young woman passenger.Ilyas Sheikh, age 34 from Pool Farm Road in Acocks Green, was employed as a private hire driver across Birmingham.
On April 12, 2013, he picked up a 19-year-old woman and her three friends from Broad Street.
After dropping off three of the passengers, Sheikh continued to drive with the young woman through southern Birmingham and into the Worcestershire countryside, where he assaulted her.
He was found guilty of sexual assault during an earlier trial and was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court.
Additionally, he will be on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Pc Martyn from Birmingham Central’s Safeguarding Team stated, “The frightened victim was assaulted by Sheikh, and even as they drove past Hopwood Services, she was too scared to ask for help.
She didn’t have her mobile phone with her, so she couldn’t call anyone.
He drove her to a remote area where he sexually assaulted her.” The attack lasted nearly an hour before she was dropped near her home.
Sheikh was arrested on April 25, 2013, after CCTV footage led to the identification of his vehicle.
Pc Martyn commented, “This sentence reflects the fact that Sheikh abused his position as a private hire driver to target a vulnerable, solitary female victim, subjecting her to a distressing experience.
It sends a clear message that exploiting such roles for personal gratification will not be tolerated.
I am proud of the victim for providing evidence in court, and I hope this conviction will give confidence to other victims.
West Midlands Police will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to bring offenders to justice.” He also recommended that taxi passengers book trips ahead of time, sit in the back seat, and notify someone of their ride, helping to reduce potential dangers.
