ASSAD KHAN AND THE SHOCKING CRIME IN BRADFORD
A taxi driver from Bradford, Assad Khan, has been sentenced to nine years in prison following a disturbing incident involving an intoxicated woman.Khan, who had been working as a taxi driver for over twenty years, took advantage of his vulnerable passenger after a night out, leading to a brutal assault.
The incident occurred early in the morning, when the woman, under the influence, was nearly unconscious on her sofa after a night of drinking.
Khan transported her from her location and, instead of taking the usual fare of approximately £25, he used her bank card to withdraw £250 from a nearby cashpoint, demonstrating clear intent to exploit her financial situation.
During the court proceedings at Bradford Crown Court, the judge detailed the grievous nature of the offence.
It was revealed that after bringing the woman to her home, Khan forcefully entered without invitation.
Once inside, while she was in a partially unconscious state, he committed rape.
The court emphasized the severity of Khan’s actions, which compounded his betrayal of trust as a professional driver.
Following the assault, Khan took further malicious steps by using the woman’s key to lock her front door from the inside and then discreetly returned the key through her letterbox, an act that indicated an attempt to cover his tracks.
When she eventually woke, the woman was overwhelmed with feelings of disgust and shame but initially hesitated to disclose the incident, likely due to embarrassment.
A few days after the attack, Khan reappeared at her doorstep, seeking to defend his actions by claiming she might have the ability to recall what happened and warning that she could cause problems for him professionally.
Recorder Ben Nolan KC pointed out that Khan’s behavior appeared calculated, as he seemed to be testing her memory and attempting to dissuade her from reporting the crime, ostensibly because he was worried about his employment.
The woman ultimately reported the assault to the police.
When Khan was first questioned, he denied any non-consensual act, claiming that she had consented to the encounter.
Despite his initial denial, Khan, who is married and has four children, pleaded guilty to the charges of rape and theft one week prior to his trial, showing a measure of remorse.
In her victim impact statement, the woman described Khan as “an utterly selfish and repugnant human being,” expressing her profound feelings of violation and betrayal.
Khan’s defense, represented by barrister Michael Collins, asserted that his client had experienced mental health issues stemming from a tragic house fire when he was ten years old.
Collins also presented a letter to the court, in which Khan expressed genuine remorse.
However, the court was advised that Khan’s behavior might have involved manipulative traits, with a psychiatrist suggesting he exaggerated symptoms to portray himself as mentally unfit.
The presiding judge condemned Khan’s conduct as exhibiting 'criminal guile' and highlighted his abuse of trust as a professional taxi driver.
As part of his sentence, Khan will be required to register as a sex offender for life and adhere to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.
Additionally, a lifelong restraining order was issued, explicitly prohibiting Khan from making any contact with the victim in Bradford.
The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which such breaches of trust and violent crimes are treated within the justice system.
