London man convicted of kidnap after woman mistakes vehicle for minicab or taxi on Euston Road
A man has been convicted of kidnap and false imprisonment with intent to commit sexual assault after a woman mistook vehicle for a taxi or minicab.
Isaac Mabwa, 33 years-old and living in Ealing, appeared at Harrow Crown Court on Tuesday 24 August where he was convicted of kidnap, false imprisonment and committing an offence (false imprisonment) with intent to commit a sexual offence.
He was found not guilty of sexual assault.
Mabwa had previously pleaded not guilty to all four charges at the beginning of his trial on Monday 16 August.
Mabwa was remanded in custody to appear for sentencing on a date/at a venue to be confirmed.
The court heard that in the early hours of 8 May 2017, Mabwa was driving a hire car in central London.
At around the same time, the female victim, who was aged 25 at the time of the offence, was walking on Euston Road after a night out and was trying to get home. Mabwa stopped his car and offered to give her a lift home.
The victim believed that she was getting into a taxi or minicab. Shortly after getting in, she realised that it was, in fact, not a taxi and Mabwa was driving her further away from her home address in the opposite direction.
During the journey of approximately an hour and a half, the victim tried to get out of the vehicle a number of times but Mabwa prevented her from doing so.
She was able to message her boyfriend and friend during the journey and she sent her location so they could find her.
Mabwa eventually pulled the car into an unlit car park. The victim began to scream.
A member of the public heard the victim’s screams and called police as the victim struggled and managed to escape from the vehicle.
Mabwa left the car park in the vehicle and was detained by police a short time later.
Following a complex and lengthy investigation, detectives charged Mabwa in April 2020.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Brien, said: “This case is an example of the tireless efforts made by our officers to bring offenders such as Isaac Mabwa, who commit violent offences against women and girls, to justice.
“We encourage anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence to come forward and speak to police. You will be supported by specially trained officers throughout the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings.”
