Chef who raped vulnerable woman after night out jailed for seven years

A chef has been jailed for seven years after assaulting and raping a woman he took to a cocktail bar for drinks.

Mohammed Tariq attacked the victim at an address in Bridge of Allan, in Stirlingshire, following the evening out.

A judge told Tariq, 27, at the High Court in Edinburgh: “This was a sustained attack on a vulnerable young woman in her own home.”

Lord Harrower said he read a victim impact statement from the woman, which set out the “devastating and lasting impact” of the crime on her.

The judge said the evening began with Tariq taking her to a cocktail bar where they both had drinks. Cannabis was also later consumed.

The combination of alcohol and cannabis made her feel sick, and CCTV showed her leaning on him for support at one stage.

Tariq then assaulted her at her home when she was intoxicated and incapable of consenting, and subjected her to rape.

Tariq eventually left after being asked to leave on several occasions.

Tariq, 27, of Callander, Perthshire, had denied a series of offences during an earlier trial at the High Court in Dundee, but was found guilty of three charges of rape committed on May 1, 2023.

During the proceedings, he was acquitted of an alleged further sexual assault on the woman and a charge of supplying cannabis to her.

Defence counsel Drew McKenzie KC said Tariq continued to maintain his innocence over the sex crimes.

He said Tariq had “a difficult upbringing” but went on to train as a chef. He said: “There is a reference to him working in Michelin-star and AA rosette restaurants.”

The defence counsel asked the judge to take into account Tariq’s lack of previous offending and good work record in sentencing him.

Tariq was placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, and the judge made a non harassment order prohibiting him from contacting or attempting to contact the victim.