Taxi driver jailed for raping a young woman after a night out in Manchester
Muhammad Nasir turned a 20 minute journey into a 3.5 hour nightmare
A taxi driver from Ashton Under Lyne, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for rape, committed in July 2021.
37-year-old Muhammad Nasir received will serve an additional four years under license and is banned from driving taxis again.
The offence was reported by the survivor on 24th August 2021 via LiveChat, a month after it occurred.
The survivor had left a nightclub on Deansgate when she entered Nasir’s taxi without pre-booking it.
While travelling along the A6 towards Longsight, the taxi driver diverted into a quiet cul-de-sac off the A6, where he stopped the vehicle and assaulted her.
After the attack, Nasir drove the survivor to a cash machine to withdraw money for him, taking approximately £70 before dropping her at her home.
Detectives found evidence of the victim’s extended ordeal by locating the taxi journey that took three and a half hours instead of the usual 20 minutes.
CCTV footage confirmed her entering the taxi, helping police link the vehicle to Nasir.
Tameside officers arrested Nasir on 15th September 2021.
In court, the survivor spoke about the profound impact of the crime.
She said: “I am here today as a survivor of a rape that occurred when I was 20 years old. 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.
“Beyond my studies, the impact left me anxious, withdrawn, fearful in everyday life, I struggled to feel safe leaving my home and had to make changes to my life to manage that fear.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.”
Detective Constable James Adams commended the survivor’s strength, saying: “This was a truly heinous crime, and I want to pay tribute to the extraordinary strength and bravery shown by the survivor throughout this process.
“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.”
Greater Manchester Police launched Operation Safer Streets to tackle violence against women and girls in the nightlife sector.
The operation has already seen significant results, with a 68% reduction in rape offences and a 17% reduction in other sexual offences in the city centre’s night time economy.
Individuals are encouraged to report any sexual assault to police or support agencies to access help.
Remember – help is available:
Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester offers comprehensive support, including forensic examinations and counselling, accessible 24/7 at 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis provides confidential support for women over 18, reachable at 0161 273 4500.