Glasgow taxi driver who raped vulnerable passenger after night out jailed

A taxi driver who raped and sexually assaulted a vulnerable female passenger after a night out has been jailed.

Thomas Tosh was found guilty of attacking the woman at his home in Drumchapel while she was intoxicated and incapable of consenting.

The High Court in Glasgow heard how the 39‑year‑old had collected the victim and her friends from a pub in Clydebank in the early hours of September 30, 2023.

After dropping off all other passengers, the court heard how Tosh marked the fare as completed and logged out of the taxi’s GPS tracking system.

He then drove the 23‑year‑old woman in the opposite direction to where he was supposed to take her and brought her to his home, where he raped her.

The High Court heard that two hours later, he logged back in to the tracking system while driving away from the direction of the victim’s home, where he had dropped her off.

He was later identified after a friend of the victim showed her a picture of Tosh from social media.

As well as the GPS evidence, the prosecution presented further evidence that proved the driver’s criminal actions. This included DNA results, text messages and witness accounts.

On Tuesday, Tosh was jailed for seven years, and his name was added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.

A ten-year non‑harassment order, banning him from contacting or attempting to contact the victim, was also granted.

Faye Cook, procurator fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, said: “This was a despicable betrayal of trust by a man who was responsible for getting a woman home safely after a night out.

“Thomas Tosh deliberately concealed his location as he drove the victim to his home, where he raped her while it was clear she was unable to consent.

“I want to recognise the courage shown by this young woman throughout the prosecution process. Her strength has helped bring a predatory offender to justice.

“Scotland’s prosecutors will continue to use every tool available to pursue those who abuse women and girls, and to protect the public from harm.”