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Posted on the 4th April 2025 in PHTM News
BOLTON CABBIE JAILED FOR 12 YEARS AFTER RAPING VULNERABLE PASSENGER IN REMOTE ATTACK
A Bolton cabbie has been sentenced to 12 and a half years in prison for raping a vulnerable woman he was driving home after a night out.
The woman started worrying after Abdul Amiri, 49, began driving her home in a different direction than usual. At one point he stopped the car and asked her to get into the front, which she did.
Amiri continued driving and began to 'touch and rub' her leg. The woman was 'frightened' and asked him to stop.
Amiri was found guilty of rape at Manchester Crown Court after taking his passenger to an isolated location and carrying out the "appalling" attack.
The victim, who bravely faced Amiri in court, described the lasting trauma of the ordeal, stating, "When [my partner] goes to hug me, I get flashbacks of what happened." She also revealed she now suffers from paranoia and fear when leaving her home.
The court heard that the woman, who has "a number of vulnerabilities" and was "intoxicated to an extent," became concerned when Amiri deviated from her expected route.
Judge Sarah Johnston noted: "There was an element of abduction implicit in this offence. You drove her deliberately to a remote location in order to commit this offence."
Despite being found not guilty of kidnapping and false imprisonment, Amiri's actions were condemned by the judge, who stated: "The public place their trust in taxi drivers to convey members of the public, some of whom will be vulnerable... to their destination, not only safely, but with dignity and respect.
"For your own sexual needs, you shattered those boundaries and caused significant harm to your victim."
The judge praised the victim's courage, saying: "She has shown immense courage, not only in the aftermath of this appalling ordeal, but throughout the court process."
Amiri, who maintained his innocence, expressed concern for his family's financial well-being. However, Judge Johnston told him, "You, however, show no concern or remorse for the complainant in this case."
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