Stevenage Taxi Driver Guilty of Rape

21 February 2011, 10:57 | Updated: 7 March 2011, 14:40

A Stevenage taxi driver who was accused of raping a 19 year old girl after picking her up in his cab, has been found guilty.

A Stevenage taxi driver who was accused of raping a 19 year old girl after picking her up in his cab, has been found guilty.

Tariq Mahmood, 48, of Archer Road, Stevenage, had been accused of raping the girl in Ripon Road, Stevenage, after picking her up from Stevenage Leisure Park in the early hours of October 31, 2009.

It was alleged that Mahmood had agreed to take the girl home but had stopped the cab en route and sexually assaulted her. She left the cab after the attack and called police.

Mahmood, who was at the time licensed by Stevenage Borough Council, had his licence revoked by the council while awaiting trial.

Detective Inspector Steve Keating from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Sexual Offence Investigation Team said: “This case has been particularly traumatic and very stressful for the victim – who has been incredibly brave in the lead up and throughout this court case. We hope that she will now be able to put this behind her and move forward with her life.

“The case does date back to October 2009 and we are appealing to anyone who may feel they may have also been a victim of assault by this man. If you think you may have information, please get in touch by calling 0845 33 00 222. All calls will be treated with the strictest confidence.”

Stevenage Chief Inspector Richard Liversidge added: “This was clearly a very traumatic incident for the victim, particularly as the offence was committed by someone who was entrusted by the community. It must be remembered that these offences are not common in Stevenage, but I would always ask members of the public to report any concerns.”

Mahmood was found guilty last Thursday at Luton Crown Court following a seven day trial. He was remanded in custody to be sentenced on April 1st.