Private Hire Taxi Driver Gets 7 Years For Raping Victim After Night Out

The trial heard that his 19-year-old female victim entered his taxi in the early hours of 13 November 2021, mistaking his vehicle for one she had booked.

Evil Nabizada then  took her mobile phone from her and drove to a secluded area in Joppa where he raped her.

The victim managed to escape from the vehicle and contacted friends, who found her distressed and frightened a short time later.

CCTV footage from Queens Bay Crescent then showed Nabizada repeatedly returning to the area after the attack.

Following an extensive investigation, cops  analysed evidence from multiple sources, including CCTV footage, mobile phone data and witness testimony.

Image:Abdul Nabizada was captured on CCTV repeatedly returning to the Queen’s Bay Crescent area. Pic: Crown Office

His name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely and a non-harassment order was also granted.

Judge John Morris KC said: “The offence of rape is an extremely serious one, and can have long-lasting consequences on complainers as it has done on this one.

“Your victim was particularly vulnerable, because she was obviously intoxicated

“It constituted an appalling betrayal of trust in that it was committed when you were in a position of trust – you were a taxi driver taking the young woman home.

“In all the circumstances only a custodial sentence can be imposed.”

 

Faye Cook, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, said:

“This conviction is the result of the victim’s courage in coming forward and the determined work of police officers to uncover what happened that night.

“Officers had to piece together evidence from a range of sources to identify the offender and build the case that was presented in court.

“The victim should have been able to trust that her journey home would be safe.

“Instead, she was seriously sexually assaulted by a taxi driver who took advantage of her vulnerability and abused his position, resulting in a deeply traumatic experience.

“While stranger offending is rare, Scotland’s prosecutors treat every report of sexual abuse with the utmost seriousness, recognising the profound and lasting impact these crimes have on victims and communities.

“I hope this conviction provides reassurance that reports will be thoroughly investigated and that COPFS will work with policing partners to ensure offenders are held accountable.”g

udge Morris told Nabizada a custodial sentence was the only option for his crime.

He said: “The offence of rape is an extremely serious one and can have long-lasting consequences on complainers as it has done on this one.

“Your victim was particularly vulnerable because she was obviously intoxicated.”

The judge added: “It constituted an appalling betrayal of trust.”

Nabizada was also placed on the sex offenders register for life.

Sentencing had been deferred so that background reports could be prepared.

Det Insp Kirsty McArthur said: “This was a shocking attack on a woman in the city, and Nabizada will now face the consequences of his despicable actions.”