NAZAR ABBAS BRADFORD MINICAB DRIVER JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEENAGE GIRL IN BRADFORD
In December 2014, a disturbing case unfolded involving a Bradford-based minicab driver who was convicted of sexually assaulting a teenage girl passenger.The incident took place in the early hours of June 15, with the victim, a 17-year-old girl, recounting her harrowing experience to authorities after the ordeal.
According to court proceedings, Nazar Abbas, aged 34 and a resident of Whetley Grove, Girlington, Bradford, was working as a private hire driver at the time.
He was employed part-time by DCW Private Hire, operating out of Cullingworth.
The young girl had been out with friends in Halifax town centre and was picked up by Abbas at approximately 3.20am.
She was seated in the back of his vehicle when the driver began to ask her personal questions, including why she was out alone that night.
The girl reportedly felt increasingly uncomfortable as Abbas continued to probe her personal life.
To avoid further discomfort, she told him she had a boyfriend.
As the vehicle slowed down in an unfamiliar area, she requested Abbas to accelerate, indicating her desire to reach her destination more quickly.
However, Abbas stopped the car and insisted she drive herself, placing his hand on her knee and instructing her on which pedals to press.
Magistrates heard that Abbas then stroked her thigh and inquired about her age.
The girl, feeling distressed, moved from the back seat to the front passenger seat.
Despite this, Abbas continued to drive with his hand on her leg, gradually moving it toward her groin area.
During this time, her father attempted to contact her via phone, but Abbas responded with an automated message stating, “Sorry I am busy.
Call back.” As the vehicle neared her home in the Bingley area, the girl exited the car and confided in her parents about what had transpired.
The police were promptly notified.
Abbas denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the girl had fallen asleep and that his touching was non-sexual, intended only to wake her.
During the trial, Abbas’s solicitor, Alias Yousaf, presented character references and letters on his behalf, emphasizing that Abbas had been in the UK for 13 years without prior convictions and was the sole breadwinner for his family.
Despite maintaining his innocence and appealing his conviction, Abbas was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison and ordered to register as a sex offender for seven years.
The court also mandated that he sign the sex offenders’ register.
Bradford Crown Court chairman Glen Armstead addressed the seriousness of the case, stating, “It was a very unpleasant assault on a young 17-year-old victim who was in drink at the time and therefore very vulnerable.” The verdict underscored the gravity of the offense and the impact on the young victim, highlighting the importance of safeguarding minors from such predatory behavior.
