BALVINDER SINGH FROM LEAMINGTON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN COVENTRY

Balvinder Singh, a 56-year-old taxi driver from Leamington, has been handed down an eight-month prison sentence after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in Coventry. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, January 17, last year, following a night out in Coventry city centre where the woman had been socialising before calling a cab to return home.

According to court proceedings, the assault took place immediately after the woman exited Singh’s taxi following a heated argument over the fare. The jury at Warwick Crown Court deliberated for only two hours before reaching a unanimous verdict of guilt. The prosecution presented evidence that Singh had placed his hand between the woman’s legs over her clothing, an act she described as shocking and unwarranted. Witnesses testified that during the incident, they heard shouting and saw Singh grabbing the woman around her waist in what appeared to be an attempt to pull her closer, with some observers suggesting he was trying to kiss her.

An incident witness, a neighbor, provided testimony indicating they heard the argument and saw Singh holding the woman in a bear hug. Singh, in his defense, claimed that he kept his foot on the brake during the fare dispute to prevent her from escaping and insisted that the woman hugged him voluntarily, claiming she liked him. He also denied any inappropriate touching, asserting that the allegations were fabricated.

Judge Barry Berlin presided over the case and emphasized the seriousness of the offence, especially given Singh’s role as a taxi driver and the vulnerability of the passenger. The judge stated that individuals in such positions of trust should face immediate custody if convicted of sexual offences against passengers. Consequently, Singh was sentenced to eight months in prison and was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years, underscoring the gravity of the crime and the importance of safeguarding the public from such misconduct.