NAZIM ASMAL SENTENCED FOR RAPE IN LANCASHIRE AND PRESTON
On August 1st, 2024, Nazim Asmal was formally sentenced at Preston Crown Court to a total of 22 years in prison for a series of heinous sexual assaults carried out in Lancashire.The court heard how Asmal, who is currently without a fixed address but was previously residing on Balaclava Street in Blackburn, lured multiple women into his vehicle under false pretenses, leading them to believe he was a legitimate taxi driver.
Once inside his car, he drove them to isolated locations where he committed serious sexual offenses, including rape.
The first of these disturbing incidents occurred on October 3rd, 2021.
A woman, making her way home from a night out in Preston city centre, entered Asmal’s vehicle, which she believed was a taxi.
After driving for approximately ten minutes, Asmal subjected her to a sexual assault inside the car before dropping her off back in the city centre.
She managed to flag down a member of the public for help, providing crucial information that contributed to the investigation.
The second assault took place on March 4th, 2023, in Darwen.
The victim, also returning from a night out, found herself in Asmal’s car.
He then drove her to a remote area on the outskirts of Darwen, where he again committed a sexual assault.
During this period, Asmal managed to obtain the victim’s phone number and subsequently called her in early April.
The victim did not answer the first call because it appeared as ‘no caller ID,’ but she answered the second call on April 8th, 2023.
Recognizing the voice as that of her attacker, she was terrified but did not know his identity.
The conversation ended abruptly after Asmal asked her, “If she wanted to do something?” On the same evening, Asmal committed a third assault.
The victim, also from Darwen, entered his vehicle in the town centre.
Asmal then drove her towards Bolton, in the opposite direction of her home, and made a chilling remark: “You don’t want to pay for this taxi, do you?” He stopped in a secluded area and raped her before dropping her off at her residence.
Authorities identified Asmal after CCTV footage captured his black Toyota Yaris, which was linked to the crimes.
His arrest led to a thorough investigation, culminating in his appearance before Preston Crown Court in November, where he pleaded guilty to four counts of rape.
The court heard the full extent of his actions and the danger he posed to the public.
Judge Heather Lloyd described Asmal as a dangerous offender and sentenced him to 17 years in prison, with an additional five years on extended licence.
Furthermore, Asmal was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities after his release.
This case highlights the serious nature of his crimes and the importance of law enforcement efforts in bringing such offenders to justice in Lancashire.
