MOHAMAD SABBAGH SENTENCED IN EDINBURGH FOR RAPE OF VULNERABLE WOMAN
A man named Mohamad Sabbagh has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted of raping a woman in Edinburgh.The incident took place in May 2022 and has drawn significant attention due to the nature of the crime and the circumstances surrounding it.
According to court proceedings, Sabbagh, aged 40, posed as a legitimate taxi driver to lure his victim and her friend into his vehicle after a night out in the Scottish capital.
The women believed they were getting into a genuine taxi service, which is why they accepted the offer of a lift home.
The victim’s friend was dropped off at her residence first, leaving the victim alone with Sabbagh in his car.
What followed was a deeply disturbing ordeal.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) reported that Sabbagh drove the woman to a secluded location, far from the busy streets of Edinburgh, and demanded she engage in sexual activity.
The victim, who was intoxicated at the time, was unable to give clear consent.
Sabbagh then climbed into the back of the vehicle and proceeded to rape her while she was in a vulnerable state, drifting in and out of consciousness due to alcohol consumption.
Detective Inspector Arthur McEwan described the case as particularly heinous, emphasizing the betrayal of trust involved.
He stated, “Sabbagh's behaviour was abhorrent.
The victim believed he was a taxi driver, and she would be taken to her destination safely but instead she was put through an extremely traumatic ordeal.
She has shown tremendous strength during this case.” Despite denying any wrongdoing, Sabbagh was found guilty of rape earlier this month following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.
During the sentencing hearing held on Wednesday, Lady Ross sentenced him to seven years in prison, with the sentence to be backdated to August 1, 2024, the date he was remanded in custody.
Additionally, Sabbagh was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely and was prohibited from making any contact with the victim.
Scotland’s Procurator Fiscal for high court sexual offending, Katrina Parkes, commented on the case, stating, “Mohamad Sabbagh is a predatory individual who poses a danger to women.
The bravery of his victim has resulted in this conviction, and he will now face the consequences of his depraved behaviour.” During the sentencing, Lady Ross highlighted the severity of the offence, describing the victim’s experience as traumatic and distressing.
She detailed how Sabbagh, after luring the woman into his car under false pretenses, drove her to a more secluded area, where he took advantage of her intoxicated state.
The court heard that the woman was vomiting in the vehicle and was in no condition to consent to sexual activity.
Despite her pleas to go home, Sabbagh penetrated her, committing a serious sexual assault.
Lady Ross also noted that Sabbagh’s account of the incident, suggesting that the victim offered herself consensually, was rejected by the jury.
She emphasized that Sabbagh exploited the victim’s vulnerability and that his denial of responsibility demonstrated a lack of remorse.
The court acknowledged the impact of the assault on the victim, who continued to suffer emotional and psychological harm even after the incident.
In her remarks, Lady Ross pointed out that Sabbagh, who has no prior convictions in Scotland since moving there in 2018, was considered a moderate risk of reoffending.
Nevertheless, given the gravity of the offence, a custodial sentence was deemed necessary to serve justice, uphold societal standards, and act as a deterrent against such crimes.
Furthermore, the court imposed a non-harassment order against Sabbagh, preventing him from contacting the victim indefinitely.
The Scottish Ministers have also been notified of his circumstances to ensure ongoing protection for the victim and the community at large.
