BOZLUL HOQUE, TAXI DRIVER FROM NEWCASTLE, SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT
A predatory taxi driver has been sentenced to eight years in prison after sexually assaulting a passenger who was asleep in his vehicle.Bozlul Hoque, 44, was convicted of driving his 21-year-old victim to a secluded street and abusing her in April 2019.
The incident was described at Newcastle Crown Court, where it was revealed that Hoque, a black cab driver, had picked up the young woman from outside a city centre bar in the early morning hours.
She entered the front seat and requested to be taken to her home address, but she fell asleep during the ride.
The terrified victim awoke shortly afterward to find Hoque had stopped in a remote street and was sexually assaulting her.
She screamed, prompting Hoque to take her to a friend's address.
There, she reported the assault to police.
Hoque, a married father of three from Croydon Road, Newcastle, was arrested.
He denied the sexual assault, claiming the woman was intoxicated and unable to give him her address.
However, forensic analysis established his DNA on the victim, leading to his charges of sexual assault.
He later pleaded guilty in court.
On Tuesday, Hoque was sentenced to eight years of imprisonment at Newcastle Crown Court.
Northumbria Police's detective constable Joe Birkett praised the victim's bravery throughout the investigation and trial.
“This should have been a five-minute journey, but CCTV and mobile phone data proved the victim was in the car for 30 minutes,” he said.
“Hoque tried to claim this was due to her intoxication, but forensic evidence showed physical contact, and the substantial proof led him to admit guilt.
“Hoque was a licensed taxi driver who underwent vulnerability training and was trusted to safely deliver passengers.
Instead, he abused that trust.
I welcome the significant custodial sentence, which reflects the serious nature of his actions.
“This outcome would not have been possible without the bravery of the victim, and I thank her for her courage in coming forward.
We hope this sentence provides her some relief and demonstrates our commitment to holding predators accountable.
During the sentencing hearing, the victim shared a powerful victim impact statement, describing how the assault has affected her over the past two years.
She said, “This assault on me occurred more than two years ago, and I cannot shake the memory.
Nightmares, panic attacks, and anxiety when traveling in taxis remain.
“But for two years, this man has denied his actions, lied to police, and sought to avoid responsibility.
He shows no remorse; his guilty plea came only because of overwhelming evidence.
I worry about how many other women have suffered similar experiences with him.
I hope I am the last.”
