Fake taxi driver raped vulnerable woman after she begged him to take her home

A fake taxi driver who raped a woman in his unlicensed vehicle collapsed in court as he was jailed for seven years.

Mohamad Sabbagh offered his victim and her friend a lift home following a night out in Glasgow city centre on May 1, 2022.

Believing he was a genuine taxi driver, the two women got into Sabbagh’s car before one was dropped off at her home address.

The 40-year-old then drove his 25-year-old victim to a secluded location and demanded she have sex with him.

He climbed into the back of the car and raped her while she was intoxicated and incapable of giving or withholding consent.

The woman later told her mother that she begged him to take her home, but was subjected to the sexual assault at a car park in the city’s Niddrie area.

Sabbagh, of Edinburgh, was sentenced to seven years in prison at the city’s High Court on Wednesday.

He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

A non-harassment order, banning Sabbagh from contacting or attempting to contact his victim, was also granted for an indefinite period.

Lady Ross told Sabbagh: “The complainer got into your car believing you would take her home. She was a stranger to you in need of help and vulnerable. You exploited her vulnerability.

“You were aware she had vomited in your car. She was intoxicated and she was in no position to consent to have sex with you.

“In her own words she was drifting in and out of consciousness and she was scared. She just wanted to go home,” said the judge.

“Your account was that she offered you sex and in your weakness you accepted. The jury rejected that explanation. You continue to deny responsibility, maintaining the position that what took place was consensual and indeed initiated by the complainer and in that sense you seek to blame the victim.”

Lady Ross said the crime had a serious impact on the victim who was extremely distressed in the wake of the traumatic experience.

Police Scotland detective inspector Arthur McEwan added: “Sabbagh’s behaviour was abhorrent.

“The victim believed he was a taxi driver, and she would be taken to her destination safely but instead she was put through an extremely traumatic ordeal.

“She has shown tremendous strength during this case.

“If anyone has been a victim of a sexual offence, I would encourage you to contact Police Scotland on 101, we will take action and provide you with the necessary support.”