Preston Crown Court was told the 16-year-old was terrified during the late-night ordeal and thought she was going to be raped.

Appearing for sentence was Saghir Ahmed (36), of Fleet Street, Nelson, who admitted assault by penetration at an earlier hearing.

Judge Christopher Cornwall said: "This was a gross breach of trust. You treated her as a mere vehicle for your own sexual gratification."

Mr Graham Pickavance (prosecuting) told the court the assault took place in March. The 16-year-old had been sleeping at a friend's house, but had stomach cramps and decided to go home.
She had no credit on her mobile and there was no land line at the address, so, in the early hours of the morning she walked into Earby to get a taxi to Barnoldswick.

She got into Ahmed's car and sat in the front seat but instead of taking her home he stopped in a lay-by and turned the car engine off. She told him to stop and tried to push him away as he kissed her face and neck and touched her breasts over her coat. He put his hand down her jeans and knickers and assaulted the girl sexually.

"She was more than distressed, crying, begging to be let out. He offered to take her home, but she refused," Mr Pickavance told the court.

When interviewed, Ahmed at first denied picking up the girl but changed his story when told she had picked him out on a video identification parade. He said the girl came onto him and he did his best to fight her off.

Scrapings from Ahmed's fingernails were taken and

DNA matched that of the girl.

Mr Martin Hackett (defending) said Ahmed was of previous good character and had pleaded guilty, saving the girl from having to give evidence. The offence was out of character.

"He was taking a young girl home. She trusted him to take her home safely and he did not do that," said Mr Hackett. "This was not a planned offence. He simply took advantage of the situation as it presented itself."

Ahmed, whose wife is expecting a baby in November was remorseful. He had come to the UK aged 24, having been in the Army in Pakistan.

In addition to the jail term, a Sexual Offences Prevention Order was made, preventing Ahmed from having access to children under 18 unless they are supervised by an appropriate adult. He is also prevented from doing paid or unpaid work concerning taxis or any public transport. Ahmed will be on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

http://www.pendletoday.co.uk/nelson-news/Taxi-driver-jailed-for-sex.3226934.jp