Swindon Man Jailed for 18 Years Over Taxi Rape
Fareed Tariq, 43, sentenced for terrifying assault after posing as a cabbie
A Swindon man has been locked up for 18 years after tricking a woman into his fake taxi and raping her.
Horrific Attack in Swindon Town Centre
Fareed Tariq, 43, of Barnum Court, was found guilty at Swindon Crown Court following a February trial. The chilling attack happened in the early hours of April 14, 2023.
The victim, with friends, tried to get a taxi around 3:15am in Swindon town centre. When the booked cab didn’t arrive, she got into Tariq’s car, thinking it was her ride. Instead, he drove her to a remote spot in Pinehurst and subjected her to a brutal assault.
Heavy Sentence and Lifetime Bans
- Tariq was sentenced to 13 years in prison with a minimum of nine years to serve.
- He will spend an additional five years on licence following release.
- He must register as a sex offender for life and is subject to a permanent restraining order from the victim.
Police Praise Victim’s Courage, Warn Others
James Purcell, Major Crime Team Investigator, said: “This was a dreadful exploitation of a vulnerable woman simply trying to get home safely. The victim showed immense bravery coming forward and seeing this through, despite the trauma.”
Purcell urged other sexual assault victims to speak out. “You are not alone,” he added. “We are here to support you and bring offenders to justice.”
A Troubling Past
Tariq’s conviction is not his first. He previously served six years in prison in 2012 for a similar crime after a night out.
Authorities hope this sentencing brings the victim some justice and encourages more reporting of sexual assaults to Wiltshire Police via 101 (or 999 in emergencies) or visits to local Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs).
