Taxi driver who raped passenger he picked up on her way home jailed for 10 years

A taxi driver who raped a woman on her way home from a night out with friends has been jailed for ten years.

Imran Rashid Ahmed was convicted at Leeds Crown Court following a trial by jury and on Friday was sentenced to a prison term.

The attack took place in the early hours of 20 July last year when Ahmed, 41, came across his victim as he drove his car along Reservoir Side Road in the Blackmoorfoot area of Huddersfield, close to the reservoir.

He offered her a lift home, but instead took her to a location where he raped her before dumping her back in the town centre.

A friend of the victim reported the rape to police soon after and an investigation was launched to find the attacker while specially trained officers supported the victim.

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Ahmed was arrested at his home in Huddersfield the following day and charged with rape a short time later.

He appeared before magistrates on 23 July, where he was remanded into custody.

His conviction follows a five day trial at Leeds Crown Court where he denies the charge of rape.

Speaking after Ahmed was sentenced, Detective Chief Inspector Natalie Dawson, said: “We hope this outcome will be of some comfort to the victim and to other women and girls in West Yorkshire, so they can feel safer in our public spaces.

“We also hope it will encourage other victims to come forward and report such crimes to our specially trained officers, so they can provide the support needed and take action against perpetrators.”

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