A man who posed as a taxi driver and sexually assaulted a woman has been sentenced to 18 years in prison.
Frank Manuel, 32, of Cheshunt, was found guilty by a unanimous verdict of three counts of rape, two of non-fatal strangulation, and one of sexual assault.
The incident occurred in the early hours of April 30 last year. Manuel offered a lift home to a woman after a night out in Hertford.
He drove her to secluded locations and proceeded to rape and strangle her. Each time the victim screamed during the incident Manuel would strangle her, according to police.
The victim managed to escape and was assisted by a member of the public who took her to a nearby train station and the police were called.
Manuel was arrested at his home address on 2 May of that year, following inquiries to trace the victim's phone, which had been left in his car.
During sentencing, the judge described him as a "sexual predator." In addition to the prison term, Manuel was given a lifetime sexual harm prevention order.
The victim's parents expressed their gratitude to those who supported their daughter and praised her bravery in pursuing justice.
Detective Constable Jasbir Pawar, who led the investigation, described the incident as "horrific" and emphasised the lasting impact it would have on the victim.
"I hope the victim and her family feel a sense of closure and that justice has now been served, although nothing will erase what this man has done," he said.
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Driver has been reported to Cheshire West and Chester Council enforcement team who will hopefully take swift action
This is a fantastic initiative, a life changer for these ladies to be able earn an income to feed their families.
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