THASAWAR IQBAL AND HIS SHOCKING SEXUAL PREDATION IN BIRMINGHAM
A man flagged by police as a highly dangerous sex offender, Thasawar Iqbal, engaged in a series of predatory acts targeting women outside Birmingham's bustling nightclubs.His criminal behavior escalated significantly following an initial arrest, revealing a disturbing pattern of exploitation and violence that has left the community alarmed.
The 41-year-old Iqbal, who resides on Birchdale Road in Erdington, was first arrested and bailed in December 2021 after being linked to the sexual assault of a vulnerable woman.
Despite the arrest and bail, Iqbal did not desist from his depraved actions.
Instead, he intensified his criminal pursuits, orchestrating a vicious attack on another lone woman in July 2022.
During this incident, he not only kidnapped her but subjected her to multiple rapes in a pub car park, an attack described by authorities as both premeditated and opportunistic.
West Midlands Police responded to these incidents with increased vigilance.
They expressed relief that Iqbal, described as a 'predatory' sex offender, had finally been removed from the streets.
During his sentencing at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday, May 26, Judge Francis Laird emphasized the danger he posed.
The judge noted that Iqbal was a 'dangerous' individual, capable of causing further harm to the public, and consequently extended his supervision period with an additional five-year license after his incarceration.
In the court’s proceedings, Judge Laird detailed the disturbing nature of Iqbal’s criminal activity.
It was evident that from the outset, Iqbal was actively seeking vulnerable women in the Birmingham city center.
His tactic involved posing as a private hire taxi driver, an approach that enabled him to lure his victims into his vehicle under false pretenses.
The initial attack involved a woman who was arguing with her boyfriend.
Under the guise of being a legitimate taxi driver, Iqbal drove her away while consuming alcohol and cocaine during the journey.
He then assaulted her sexually, kissing her and suggesting they record a sexual act, attempts that the woman managed to thwart when he stopped to buy more drugs.
While investigations into that incident were ongoing, Iqbal's criminal behavior did not cease.
He approached a second woman walking along the A34, initially refusing her offer of a lift before convincing her to accept.
He then drove her to a pub car park, where he repeatedly raped her, subjecting her to terrifying acts of sexual violence.
The woman only agreed to take his mobile phone number in order to be driven home safely, a plea that ended his assault.
The court heard both women endured harrowing and traumatic experiences, often blaming themselves for their vulnerability and the circumstances that led to their victimization.
Detective Constable Soniya Ram from West Midlands Police's Public Protection Unit highlighted the brutality of Iqbal's actions.
She explained that although Iqbal was an opportunist, his assaults were persistently premeditated—posing as a taxi driver to target women, then driving them to secluded locations for abuse.
His violent acts disregarded ongoing investigations, including his attack in July 2022.
The bravery of the victims in coming forward was lauded by authorities, who credited their courage for helping bring Iqbal to justice.
The Crown Prosecutor’s team worked tirelessly to ensure his remand from July 2022 until his conviction, preventing further potential victims.
Iqbal faced multiple counts in court, including two charges of kidnapping with intent to commit a sexual offence, two counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of assault by penetration.
His conviction and subsequent sentencing mark a significant milestone in protecting women from this dangerous predator, ensuring he remains behind bars for a prolonged period.
