By Sammie Jones-
A bogus taxi-driver has been jailed for nine years for raping a student he persuaded to get into his car before raping her has been jailed for nine years.
Attif Hamid of Churchill Road in Bordesley Green, was found guilty of rape at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday, September 21 for the attack on March 24 2018.
The 39-year-old rapist posed as a cab man when he picked up the student who was out celebrating her dissertation with friends in Digbeth the early hours of the morning.Unemployed Hamid approached the young woman in the early hours of Saturday 24 March as she left a nightclub in Digbeth and offered to take her home for just £10.
Police say the victim was about to order a taxi but was approached by Hamid who offered to take her home for a £10 fee.The 22-year -old graduate agreed but, was presented a surprise when she asked Hamid to stop off at two cash-point machines to get cash to pay him. Hamid who had other intentions than taking cash for a journey he didn’t mind paying for in fuel, became angry and drove her to Selly Oak against her will. When he arrived there, he forced the woman to perform a sex act on him , then cruelly stole her phone and left her stranded. The victim was smart enough to take down Hamid’s vehicle registration, and alerted the occupants of a nearby house who called police.
In court, the judge said: “She was going to celebrate the fact she had finished her dissertation for her degree; she was going to go out with friends, enjoy and celebrate their achievements.“You in the meantime, were getting ready to go out as someone pretending to be a taxi driver.”She was vulnerable as you learned she had no cash. It was then you took the opportunity to rape her.”
DESPICABLE
Investigating officer DC Leon McIntosh from the Public Protection team, added : “This is a despicable crime and I am happy that we managed to catch the man responsible and bring him to justice.
“We investigate all allegations of sexual assault and rape and take them very seriously. I would urge anyone who has ever had a similar experience, to get in touch with us as soon as possible.”