Unlicensed cab driver jailed for rape commited 17 years ago (From News Shopper)

Unlicensed cab driver jailed for raping drunk passenger 17 years ago

1:44pm Wednesday 18th January 2012 in Top Stories By Abigail Woodcock

Unlicensed cab driver jailed for rape commited 17 years ago

AN UNLICENSED cab driver who raped a drunken passenger 17 years ago has been jailed for five years.

Mustafa Hassan of Mangold Way, Erith, was sentenced at the Old Bailey after admitting raping the 29-year-old in his taxi in September 1995.

The 68-year-old was arrested after a cold case investigation matched his DNA to the rape.

The court heard the woman had been out celebrating her 29th birthday with her husband at a club in central London before the incident took place.

The couple left the club and her husband went to get a cab. When he returned, he was unable to find her.

She had got into Hassan's unlicensed taxi and woke up near her home.

Defence lawyer Stephen Bailey said: "He was 52 years of age at the time and a man of good character.

"He was aware she was drunk but not so drunk that he should not commence sexual intercourse with her.

"It then dawned on him that she was too drunk but he pressed ahead anyway.

"He is now 68. He was not aware of the initial report to police or the initial DNA report, so he was not in a position to face facts earlier."

Judge Richard Hawkins told Hassan: "She was obviously very drunk and did not realise why her husband had left her.

"She got into your unlicenced taxi and woke up near her home.

"You accept you raped her and that she was not in a condition to consent.

"You accept that she was drunk.

"While you were in the act, you realised she was in no condition to consent.

"The effect on the victim of such a traumatic experience is a very serious matter."