Taxi Driver Jailed for Sex Attack on Sleeping Student
Bozlul Hoque, 44, has been locked up for eight years after abusing a 21-year-old student during a taxi ride in Newcastle. The black cab driver preyed on the young woman after she fell asleep in his cab in April 2019.
Horrifying Journey Turns to Nightmare
The student got into Hoque’s black cab outside a bar near Newcastle 1 centre in the early hours. She asked to be taken home but soon nodded off during the trip. Moments later, she woke to find the driver had pulled over on a quiet street and was assaulting her.
She screamed, forcing Hoque to drive her straight to a friend’s house where she reported the attack to police.
Trust Betrayed by Licensed Taxi Driver
Hoque, a married father-of-three from Croydon Road, Newcastle, tried to deny the charges. He claimed the victim was drunk and that she failed to give him her address. But forensic tests found his DNA on the student, sealing his fate.
The court heard Hoque had undergone vulnerability training and should have ensured her safe journey home, not exploited her trust.
“This result would not have been possible without the bravery of the victim. We hope the sentence brings her comfort and sends a clear message that sexual predators will be hunted down,” said the prosecution.
Victim Speaks Out on Trauma
In a powerful victim impact statement, the student revealed the lasting trauma from the attack:
“The nightmares and panic attacks continue to haunt me. I still feel anxious about travelling in taxis. Hoque denied everything for two years and showed no remorse. He only pleaded guilty because the evidence crushed him. I can’t help but wonder if I was one of many targeted drunk women. I hope I’m the last.”
Hoque’s eight-year jail term sends a stark warning to anyone abusing positions of trust.
