A MAN from Ashton-under-Lyne who raped a young woman after she got into his taxi following a night out in Manchester has been jailed for 12 years.
Muhammad Nasir, of Stockport Road, was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday, May 5, after being found guilty of rape. He will also serve an additional four years on licence.
The court heard how the survivor had been out with friends at a nightclub on Deansgate in July 2021 before leaving alone and calling her mother to say she was on her way home.
Outside, she got into a taxi she had not pre-booked – a decision that would lead to a prolonged and traumatic ordeal.
Instead of taking her directly home, Nasir drove along the A6 towards Longsight before turning into a quiet cul-de-sac, where he stopped the vehicle and carried out the attack.
Afterwards, he forced the victim to withdraw money from a cash machine, taking around £70 before eventually dropping her at home.
Investigators later found the journey, which should have taken around 20 minutes, had lasted more than three hours.
The assault was reported a month later, with the survivor and her mother contacting police via LiveChat. Detectives were able to trace the taxi through CCTV and vehicle registration, leading to Nasir’s arrest in September 2021.
Alongside his prison sentence, Nasir has been given a restraining order, banned from ever working as a taxi driver again, and will remain on the sex offenders register for life.
‘That betrayal has stayed with me’
In a powerful statement read in court, the survivor spoke about the long-lasting impact of the attack.
“I am here today as a survivor of a rape that occurred when I was 20 years old,” she said. “I want the court to understand the profound impact this crime has had on my life and the work I have had to do to rebuild it.
“The offender was a taxi driver – someone I should have been able to trust to keep me safe. Instead, he abused me. That betrayal has stayed with me and has shaped much of the fear and instability I have experienced since.
“Within the first year after reporting this offence, I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
“The trauma significantly affected my education; I missed a large number of university lectures, required extensions, and struggled daily to function. At times, I was unable to leave my room or remain at university.”
She continued: “Beyond my studies, the impact left me anxious, withdrawn, fearful in everyday life. I struggled to feel safe leaving my home and had to make changes to my life to manage that fear.
“I felt as though I had lost my sense of self.
“Despite this, I have worked hard to rebuild my life by seeking support, committing to recovery and gradually regaining control. I now speak about my experience to raise awareness and support others and I have raised money for The Survivor Trust by completing a marathon – a charity I relied on heavily throughout the process.
“I know this experience will always be part of my life, but it no longer defines me. I am here today because I was believed by my family, friends and officers and charities who supported me throughout.”
‘Remarkable determination’
Detective Constable James Adams described the case as “a truly heinous crime” and praised the survivor’s “extraordinary strength and bravery”.
He added: “Coming forward, remaining engaged for more than four years and then choosing to raise awareness for others takes immense courage. Her determination to ensure that what happened to her does not define her is remarkable.
“Rape is one of the most serious and devastating crimes a person can experience. The sentence handed down today reflects the seriousness of Nasir’s actions and the lasting harm they caused.
“Greater Manchester Police will not tolerate sexual violence in any form, and we will always work to hold offenders to account. I would urge anyone who has experienced rape or sexual assault, no matter how long ago, to come forward. You will be listened to, believed and supported.”
Police say the case highlights both the importance of reporting offences and the progress being made in tackling violence against women and girls, including through targeted operations in Manchester’s night-time economy.
Support is available for anyone affected by sexual violence, including through specialist services across Greater Manchester.
Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre is available 24 hours a day on 0161 276 6515. Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women, which can be contacted on 0161 273 4500.