SHEFFIELD UBER DRIVER JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AND ASSAULTING TEEN
A teenage girl experienced significant distress after her Uber driver, Zafran Hussain, aged 24, assaulted her physically and kissed her without consent.The 19-year-old was in Sheffield with a friend when they called an Uber to head home.
Despite the ride not being pre-arranged, Hussain allowed them aboard and agreed on a fare of £25.
During their journey in July 2021, Hussain boasted about wealth, discussed his age, and asked how old the girls were.
At the first stop, he pressured the girl into sitting in the front seat, which she eventually agreed to.
When they arrived at her home, he committed a sexual act.
He initially claimed the fare was £50 but agreed to accept only £25, accepting part with cash and the rest through her phone.
Hussain withdrew £10 from her account and then pressed his face to hers, kissing her lips for about three seconds.
The girl was momentarily stunned, then her fear worsened as he held her wrist and remarked 'another one,' before kissing her again for four or five seconds.
She escaped by running to her garden gate as Hussain drove off.
When interviewed by police, Hussain denied any wrongdoing, but the girl identified him during an identification parade.
Her victim impact statement described the trauma she experienced, stating that days out with family now feel like a 'military operation,' and she is terrified of taking taxis.
Her mother expressed worries that the situation could have become more severe.
Hussain, from Monteney Crescent, Sheffield, had no past convictions but pleaded guilty earlier this year to sexual assault.
A pre-sentencing report noted he has a learning difficulty but did not see it as a mitigating factor.
His defense lawyer described his actions as opportunistic, and Hussain expressed remorse and shame.
Judge Michael Slater sentenced him to 15 months in prison, highlighting the trauma caused to the girl and the psychological harm inflicted.
Hussain is likely to serve half of his sentence in custody before being eligible for release on licence.
