KHAIRUL EHSAN SENTENCED IN HULL FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON YOUNG WOMAN
A young woman in Hull has spoken openly about her harrowing experience when a taxi driver attempted to sexually assault her during a ride home after a night out.Khairul Ehsan, 43, assaulted the 24-year-old woman by lunging at her and trying to kiss her while she was in his minivan taxi, according to Hull Live.
She described how she couldn't escape from the vehicle as Ehsan 'got on top of her' during the frightening event.
After Ehsan's conviction, the woman has courageously shared her story.
She recounted that she first met him when he had picked her up along with friends in Hull city centre.
She recalls him being friendly and offering assistance if she ever needed a taxi in the future.
She explained: "I was complaining to him about the night out because some things had upset me, and he was really nice about it.
We discussed how difficult it was to get a taxi in Hull on a night out.
He gave me his number and told me to call him if I needed a lift when he was working." The woman added: "He messaged me a couple of times asking how I was.
He'd say things like 'hey sexy' and 'can't wait to see your sexy face,' but I thought it was harmless banter." However, her perception changed on June 22, 2019, when the incident became sinister, as detailed in court.
She said: "I had been out at Propaganda and he picked me up from a takeaway in Paragon Square.
Usually I sit in the back of a taxi, but since I knew him and had spoken to him previously, I sat in the front, on the far left, because he was driving a minivan and there were some seats available." She further explained: "After finishing my takeaway and asking him to stop at a cash machine since I had no money, he refused.
I realized he was taking a longer route to my home.
When we finally stopped, he put his arm around me.
He then tried to kiss me, and suddenly his face was on mine." The woman said she was unable to exit the vehicle as Ehsan was over her, blocking her way, and began grabbing her.
"He started grabbing at my breasts, despite me repeatedly saying 'no.' Somehow, I managed to unbuckle my seatbelt and escape, which was terrifying.
I was scared he might come after me," she described.
She confided in her neighbor about what happened, who encouraged her to report the incident to police.
She stated: "I wasn't sure if I would be taken seriously or if it was just my word against his, but I told my neighbor, and she urged me to go to the police.
I am so grateful I did.
The police have been incredibly supportive throughout." The traumatic experience has left a lasting impact.
She admitted: "For about a year, I couldn't get into a taxi.
I was frightened it was him driving.
I would check messages from taxi companies when I finally felt comfortable to travel, just to ensure it wasn't his vehicle." At Hull Crown Court on Monday, Ehsan, of Navigation Way, Hull, was found guilty of attempted sexual assault and sentenced to three months in jail.
He had denied the charges.
Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for seven years.
During the investigation, authorities uncovered that this was not Ehsan’s first concerning behavior.
Three other alleged incidents involved suggestive remarks and advances toward young female passengers, although he was not charged for these.
Jeremy Evans, representing the Crown Prosecution Service, commented: "Khairul Ehsan deliberately targeted this young woman late at night when she was alone.
His actions left her feeling shocked and disgusted.
The victim did the right thing by reporting this to the police." He added: "Three other similar incidents have come to light through the investigation.
This kind of behavior is unacceptable, and we vow to prosecute such cases where legal criteria are met." The woman expressed relief that Ehsan is now behind bars, stating: "I'm glad he's in prison.
Even if only for a short time, he is not allowed to hold a taxi license anymore, and he cannot harm anyone else."
