A Cambridge taxi driver convicted of sexually assaulting two female passengers has walked free from Cambridge Magistrates Court.

Abu Bakar, 25, of Cam Causeway, Cambridge, was found guilty in December of two counts of sexual assault and was today (January 10) handed a suspended jail sentence.

The offences both took place on May 6 2018 in St Ives and involved sexually touching a woman without her consent.

The court heard that both the victims, who Bakar had picked up in his taxi, were drunk and in a "vulnerable position" at the time of the attacks.

Prosecuting, Giles Beaumont told the court one victim said: "I feel empowered to make an appeal against the taxi driver so that this doesn't happen again. I feel I will have to alter my habits so that I don’t take more taxis.

“He needs to know what he has done wrong and pay for his actions.”

Mr Beaumont asked the presiding magistrates to consider compensation to the two women as a priority.

Abu Bakar leaves Cambridge Magistrates court after his sentencing (Image: Keith Jones)

Mr Treba, defending Bakar, said his client "fully accepts what he did was wrong, and is not seeking to appeal the conviction".

He added: "There is obvious remorse."

Mr Treba told the court how Bakar's wife and two-a-half month old baby were dependent on him, and for that reason he should be spared from an immediate custodial sentence as it would be "devastating" to his family.

He said Bakar had lost his job and his taxi license and said that coming to court had "changed him" but "thankfully he still had the support of his wife and his family."

Mr Treba also told the court there was little chance of Bakar reoffending, and that "otherwise he conducted a law-abiding life and is a quiet member of the Islamic community".

He added that a judge had said "this wasn't the most serious type of this case that he had come across".

The court was told his wife and young child relied on him and a immediate custodial sentence would be 'devastating' to his family (Image: Cambridge News)

Magistrates retired for 45 minutes before returning to sentence Bakar, during which time the defendant sat with his head in his hands.

When magistrates returned, Bakar was given two consecutive six month jail sentences which were suspended for two years.

He would also be put onto the Sex Offenders' Register for ten years, and would have to keep police updated of his address every year.

Bakar was also told to pay court costs and a victim surcharge totalling £880, but would not have to pay compensation to his victims. He was required to complete 80 hours of unpaid work.

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HEATHROW

 British Airways has added new electric London taxis to its fleet of Premium Transfer Drive vehicles.

The service was launched in 2017, to provide eligible customers with a car transfer from their domestic flight to an onward BA short or long-haul service, where there is a risk of them otherwise missing the connection.

Customers are met by a driver at the aircraft side, and driven free of charge directly to their onward flight.

The service is available to the following customers when connecting from a UK domestic service:

    Passengers connecting onto a short-haul flight in Club Europe

    Passengers connecting onto a long-haul flight in either

 Club World or First Silver or Gold Executive Club members

The London Electric Vehicle Company taxis feature a panoramic roof, air conditioning, wifi, charging for phones and laptops.

BA said that the addition was part of its long-term plan to reduce emissions from all vehicles at Heathrow.

“It’s great to see the reaction of customers when they’re met by a London taxi at the side of the aircraft, waiting to take them on to their next flight,” said Daljit Hayre, British Airways’ Senior Manager, Heathrow Customer Experience.

“They’ve told us how much they appreciate this gesture, plus they love the space in the vehicle for their hand baggage. We’re also really pleased that using new generation electric taxi reduces our carbon footprint.”

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 NOTTINGHAM

A cabbie may lose his job after a parking squabble with a community officer he regarded as "very officious."

Mehmood Khan must pay £200 compensation to the man, who ended up winded and with a red mark on his torso.

He had denied assaulting the official outside the NG1 club on October 14 but was found guilty of recklessly causing the injury. City magistrates had adjourned the case to await reports.

The court heard that Khan's licence will be reviewed by officers of Gedling Borough Council, who issued it.

The case arose after Khan, 46, stopped his taxi and was told he was in a prohibited zone.

Donna Fawcett, prosecuting, said officers were looking for taxi drivers who were breaching the terms of their licences.


One approached Khan and Miss Fawcett told the court: "He took objection to being spoken to about where he was parked. The officer said it could cost him a £100 fine and three points on his licence.

"Mr Khan became angry and said he was entitled to be there."

After the worker was hurt, Khan "accused him of lying and said that he threw himself over his car," added Miss Fawcett.

Julian Griffiths, defending, said that it took place at 3am when Khan stopped because there was an incident. He was not picking up fares.

"What he did take exception to was that the complainant appeared to be very officious to the point of being aggressive," he said.

Khan was sitting in his cab with the handbrake off and the clutch engaged. He might not have been "in proper control of the car."


Mr Griffiths said that Khan had to face a council enquiry on February 4 and added: "His career is at risk."

District Judge Tim Spruce ordered Khan to carry out 75 hours unpaid work.

"Whether intended or not, injury was caused," the judge told Khan of Glamis Road, Basford who must pay £300 prosecution costs and government tax of £85.

The judge added: "This is totally out of character for you. I recognise very much the consequences which go beyond the court process because the licensing authority are no doubt wondering whether you are still a fit and proper person to drive a taxi."

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