Uber Driver Jailed for Sex Assault on Vulnerable Passenger
An Uber driver has been locked up for 16 months after sexually assaulting a vulnerable female passenger during a late-night ride. Temur Shah, 45, from Harrow, was found guilty at Isleworth Crown Court following a thorough investigation by the Met’s Taxi and Private Hire Policing Team.
Shocking Crime in Early Hours
The vile offence took place on 15 January 2018. The 27-year-old woman, feeling unwell, got into Shah’s private hire vehicle in London’s West End. During the journey, Shah stopped the car and forced the distressed passenger to move to the front seat.
When the victim said she was about to be sick, Shah stopped again to open the door. But instead of helping, he sexually touched her. The assault continued even as she leaned out of the vehicle to vomit.
Victim Too Scared to Leave
Despite the ordeal, the passenger stayed in the cab as her phone battery was dead and she had no money to get help. She told Shah not to touch her again before he eventually dropped her near her north London home.
Justice Served After Police Probe
- Police launched a full inquiry with Uber and the person who booked the ride
- CCTV and GPS data confirmed Shah’s identity as the driver
- He was arrested on 2 February 2018 and charged soon after
- Shah was convicted and sentenced on 12 November
Besides his prison term, Shah has been slapped with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. He’s banned for life from applying for any private hire or taxi licence in England and Wales. He is also on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.
The Met’s Taxi and Private Hire Policing Team, supported partly by Transport for London, praised the victim for coming forward. They stressed the importance of holding rogue drivers to account for their crimes.
