June 20, 2008
CABBIE 'WAS SEX PREDATOR'
A Swansea taxi driver acted like a predator when he picked up a young woman and later molested her in his cab, a court was told.The allegation was made during the trial of Abdul Islam, of Eiddwen Road, Penlan, who has pleaded not guilty to sexually touching a woman without reasonably believing she was consenting.
Opening the case yesterday at Swansea Crown Court, prosecutor James Jenkins told the jury of seven men and five women: "The defendant was that most troublesome of entities: a predatory taxi driver."
The court heard that the 18-year-old complainant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had been out with her cousin in Wind Street for celebratory drinks on February 24 this year, four days before her 18th birthday.
Taking the stand, she said she had drunk around five or six alcopops and half a pint of lager.
The two cousins visited a number of pubs before getting food, the court heard.
But they separated after an argument.
The complainant, who had no money on her, decided to walk home to Morriston when she said Islam pulled up beside her on High Street and offered a free lift.
Becoming emotional at times, the complainant described what happened during the journey.
She said 27-year-old Islam at first asked her: "Do you want to do business?" and "What are you going to do for me?"
Then, after stopping the car, she alleged that Islam kissed her and then unzipped her top and kissed her breasts. She said he then unzipped his trousers and placed her hand on him.
The court heard that Islam also allegedly asked if she had a condom.
After the complainant told Islam she wanted to go home, he dropped her at the bottom of her street and handed her two £5 notes before she got out, the court heard.
This money was later handed to police, the complainant confirmed.
Islam, who is married, denies this version of events and said the complainant offered him "whatever he wanted" in return for a ride home. The case continues.
Filed under Blog by admin
