A woman has bravely spoken about how a predatory taxi driver left her 'absolutely terrified' when he lunged at her during a lift home in his minivan.
The 24-year-old victim has recounted the nightmare journey as taxi driver Khairul Ehsan was sent to prison for three months and placed on the sex offenders register for seven years.
The victim first met Ehsam when he picked her up with friends in Hull city centre. She recalled that he was friendly and offered to help if she needed a lift in future, reports Hull Live.
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She says: "I was complaining to him about the night out as there had been a couple of things that had upset me and he was really nice about it. We got chatting about how it is always a struggle to get a taxi in Hull on a night out and he gave me his number and told me to call him if I ever needed a lift if he was working.
"He messaged me a couple of times asking me how I was. He would say things like 'hey sexy' and 'can't wait to see your sexy face', but I just thought it was harmless banter."
But events took a frightening turn after one night out in the summer of 2019.
The woman said "I had been on a night out in Propaganda and he picked me up from a takeaway in Paragon Square. Usually, I always sit in the back of a taxi, but because I felt like I knew him and had spoken to him before I decided to sit in the front. He was driving a mini-van so there were a few spaces in the front and I sat in the far left.
"I finished eating my takeaway and asked him if he could stop off at a cash machine on the way as I didn't have any money on me, but he wouldn't stop. I realised he was driving the long way around to get to my address.
"When we finally stopped he then put his arm around me. He then tried to kiss me and the next thing I knew, his face was on mine.
"I couldn't get out of the car as he was over the top of me and in my way.
"He then started grabbing at my boobs. I kept saying 'no', but he ignored me. I don't know how I did it, but I somehow managed to unbuckle my seatbelt and get out of the taxi. I was absolutely terrified. I was scared he was going to come after me."
She told a neighbour what had happened and was persuaded to report it to police.
She said: "I didn't know if I was going to be taken seriously and that it was just my word against his, but I told my neighbour and she encouraged me to go straight to the police - and I am so glad I did. They have been amazing and really supported me throughout the whole thing."
The incident left her scared of getting into taxis, she says.
"For about a year, I could not even get in a taxi. I was scared that it would be him driving it. I would always check the texts from taxi companies when I eventually felt up to getting a taxi just to make sure it wasn't his car."
Ehsan, of Navigation Way, Hull, was found guilty of attempted sexual assault and jailed for three months at Hull Crown Court on Monday. He had denied the charge.
During the inquiries, Humberside Police discovered that this was not the first time Ehsan’s behaviour had caused concern. Three further alleged incidents of the taxi driver making suggestive remarks and advances towards young female passengers came to light, the court was told.
Jeremy Evans, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "Khairul Ehsan deliberately targeted this young woman, late at night when she was alone. His behaviour left her feeling shocked and disgusted and the victim did the right thing in reporting this matter to the police.
"Three incidents of this man behaving in a similar concerning way have also been brought to light as a result of the police investigation. This incident make clear that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated. We will always prosecute cases of this kind if our legal tests have been met.”
The woman says she is glad Ehsan has been locked up.
She said: "I am relieved he is now in prison, even if it is for a short time. The main thing is that he is not allowed to have a taxi licence again and he cannot do this to anyone else."
