Leicester

A taxi driver who sexually assaulted a passenger has been jailed for 18 months.

Arshaed Mahmood (36) took advantage of the woman, who had been drinking during a night out, by pulling down her dress and touching her breasts.

He also indecently exposed himself to her, in the early hours of May 12, 2012.

Mahmood, a father-of-four, denied two counts of sexually assaulting the customer but was convicted after a trial at Leicester Crown Court.

Victoria Rose, prosecuting, said the victim was badly affected by the incident, culminating in the breakdown of her relationship with her partner.

She said: "It's clearly had a great impact.

"She used to be a chatty, outgoing person but she has changed.

"She became anxious and jumpy. She no longer stays out late because she's worried about getting home and doesn't take taxis as she's lost her trust in them.

"She wondered afterwards if she was to blame, but she also believes she was entitled to get home safely when seeking the services of a taxi."

The victim also considered moving home as the defendant had dropped her off outside her house, in Barwell, and she feared he would return – although there was no suggestion he had.

The assaults happened when the woman caught a taxi home with friends after a night out in Nuneaton.

Mahmood dropped the friends off first and suggested the woman – who was the worse for drink – got in the front seat for the remainder of the journey.

During sentencing, Judge Simon Hammond said he took a circuitous route, during which time he sexually assaulted her.

Mahmood tried to get her to touch him when his trousers were undone.

When they arrived at her house she immediately phoned her sister, in a hysterical state, and the police were notified.

Judge Hammond said: "She was vulnerable, in drink and it was at night and the defendant deliberately took advantage of her.

"Anyone using a taxi is entitled to feel safe."

Judge Hammond said: "I'm told by the prosecution that in the past year, 12 taxi drivers have been charged with sexually assaulting passengers.

"I don't know how many of those have resulted in convictions.

"I made it clear if any taxi driver sexually assaults a passenger they must expect a sentence of imprisonment."

He placed Mahmood, of Edward Street, Nuneaton, on a 10-year sexual offences prevention order with conditions, including banning him from permitting any lone female he does not know to get into any licensed vehicle he is driving.

Mahmood, who was assisted by an Urdu interpreter in court, maintains his innocence, said his barrister, Michael Collins.

Mr Collins said: "He lost his job and it is clear he should not be a taxi driver, although he was driving a taxi for two years before this, without any other complaints.

"In the intervening 19 months, he's been a pizza delivery driver."