BRISTOL SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE AFTER POSING AS TAXI
Sex fiend cruised around Bristol city centre pretending to be a taxi driver before picking up a woman, plying her with drugs and trying to rape her.Mohammed Afzel drove around the city in the early hours of Thursday, April 14, this year before a 22-year-old woman got into his car, believing it was a taxi.Afzal then took the woman to an unknown location where he gave her opiates and amphetamine and tried to rape her before dropping her home.The 23-year-old of no fixed abode was jailed for five years and four months after he pleaded guilty to attempted rape.Speaking after the sentencing, investigating officer Acting Detective Sergeant Laura Miller said: “Afzal posed as a taxi driver and can be seen on CCTV footage driving around Bristol city centre looking for someone to target.“He drove past the victim before turning his car around.He then parks nearby and runs towards the victim, leading her towards his vehicle.“He drives her to an unknown location and attempts to rape her, plying her with illegal drugs including opiates and amphetamine during this horrific ordeal.“The victim was dropped off at her home several hours later but crucially asked for his phone number, which he gave her.“She reported the incident to police later the same day and we took the decision to message Afzal, posing as the victim and arranging to meet up.
He attended this meeting and was arrested and later charged.“The victim’s faith in humanity has been deeply wounded by this incident, which I hope in time she will go onto recover from.“Afzal is a predatory sexual offender who preyed on this victim’s vulnerability, but a combination of the victim’s bravery in coming forward and dynamic policing methods means he’s now been removed from the streets.”Following the sentencing hearing, the victim said: “People like him exist.
You don’t think it’s going to happen to you.”“You’re strong and you’re fine, but it does happen and you can have your strength taken away from you.”Afzel will also be on the sex offenders’ register for life.Victims of rape or sexual assault, recent or non-recent, can also self-refer to The Bridge, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre available 24/7 365 days a year.
Visit their website at thebridgecanhelp.org.uk or call 0117 342 6999The Bridge provides medical care and emotional and practical support to anyone affected by rape and sexual assault.
You can call The Bridge for help and decide about talking to the police later.You can also visit thisisnotanexcuse.org for details of charities and organisations who are experts in supporting victims.
