Rapist who posed as a fake taxi driver jailed for nine years

A man who posed as a taxi driver in Birmingham to gain the trust of a 22-year-old woman has been sentenced to nine years in jail for her rape.

Attif Hamid, 39, picked up his victim outside a nightclub in Digbeth, Birmingham, on March 24 after he offered her a cheap fare home, a court has heard.

Hamid preyed on his victim, who was out celebrating handing in her dissertation, by offering a £10 journey home. Instead of taking her home, Hamid took her to a secluded spot where he raped her.

The victim had attempted to withdraw cash from a machine but was unable to do so.

Judge Kevin Hegarty QC said:

“She was vulnerable as you learned she had no cash. It was then you took the opportunity to rape her.”

Prosecuting, Rydian James said Hamid was a;

“dangerous sexual predator who prowled the streets of the city at night looking for vulnerable women.

“When he spotted his prey, he approached his victim, offered to take her home for a low fee and then drove her to a secluded spot where he raped her”.

The victim was able to write down the registration of the vehicle, which was used by the police to track down Hamid.

Hamid was found guilty at Birmingham Crown Court, where he was sentenced to nine years in jail on Friday.

(Photo: West Midlands Police)