Mini-cab rapist from Poplar jailed

A mini-cab driver who sexually assaulted female passengers while they were sleeping, including cutting off one woman’s clothing and raping her in the back of his car, has been jailed for 12 years.

Jahir Hussain, 37 from E14 had previously pleaded guilty, on 15 May after one day of his trial at the same court, to two counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, one count of assault by penetration, as well as two other linked offences.

Hussain attacked three women, one on 21 October 2016, and two in the early hours on 2 December 2016. He was registered to work as a mini-cab driver but he was not actually working when he picked his victims up and attacked them.

On 21 October 2016 Hussain picked up his first victim in the Old Street area as she made her way home.

On 2 December 2016, at around 2am, Hussain was again in the Old Street area when he asked by his second victim if he was the mini-cab she had ordered.

He wasn’t and told his victim he was. His victim got in the car, fell asleep and was attacked.

From that attack Hussain went back to the Old Street area and picked up a third victim at around 4am, acting a as a mini-cab driver despite the victim not having booked one. Again Hussain attacked his victim.

In both incidents in December led to the identification of Hussain’s number plate and he was arrested at his home on 3 December 2016. He was charged in the early hours of the next day.

Forensic evidence then linked Hussain to the October attack and he was further charged.

DC Samantha Dart, the officer in the case, said:

“Hussain is a predator who exploited his employment as a mini-cab driver to seriously sexually assault vulnerable females. Women should be able to go out and enjoy themselves without fear of assault.

“We are grateful to all three women for having the courage to report these matters to police, and for their continued support throughout the investigations.

“The strength of evidence against Hussain was overwhelming which led to him entering guilty pleas and the sentence handed to him reflects the gravity of his offending.”

Acting Detective Inspector Steve Birchall, the supervising officer in the case, said:

“Hussain is a predatory sex offender who has taken advantage of his position by targeting vulnerable women he has picked up while acting as a mini-cab driver. Travelling home by mini-cab should be a safe method of transportation and Hussain is in no way reflective of the numerous taxi drivers who offer this service every night in London. He has been identified and now convicted through the presence of mind and strength of the three women in this case who have had the courage to report what happened to them to the police.”

Source: Met Police