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A fake taxi driver who lured women into his car and then raped them has been jailed.
Nazim Asmal was jailed for 22 years at Preston Crown Court.
The 35-year-old, of no fixed abode but who was previously living at Balaclava Street in Blackburn, pleaded guilty to four counts of rape.
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Asmal’s crimes took place between Preston and Darwen from October 2021 to April 2023.
The first incident took place on 3 October 2021, when a woman got into Asmal’s car in Preston city centre believing it to be a taxi.
He drove for around ten minutes, raped his victim in the car and dropped her back off in the city centre where she was able to flag down a member of the public for help.
A second incident took place on 4 March last year, when the victim had been on a night out in Darwen and ended up in Asmal’s car.
He drove her to a secluded area on the outskirts of Darwen and raped her.
Asmal obtained his victim’s phone number and called her at the start of April – she did not answer because it came up with ‘no caller ID’.
He tried again on 8 April and this time she did answer. She recognised the voice as the man who had raped her but did not know his identity.
She ended the call after Asmal asked the terrified woman ‘if she wanted to do something’?’.
A further rape took place on the same evening, 8 April, when a woman got into Asmal’s car in Darwen town centre.
He drove her towards Bolton, in the opposite direction of her home and said “You don’t want to pay for this taxi, do you?”
He stopped in a secluded area and raped her. He then dropped her off at her home address.
Police were able to identify Asmal after his black Toyota Yaris was picked up on CCTV.
What his victims have said
In a statement to the court the first victim said: “Although this incident happened to me nearly two years ago, I still live with many of the psychological and emotional impacts, honestly, I believe that my life was changed forever that night. My old life was shattered, and it has been a constant struggle that I don’t think I will ever fully recover from.
“I feel like a part of myself died that night and that makes me overwhelmingly sad and angry.
“Before the incident I was outgoing and enjoyed going out with my friends, I was kind and trusting of people’s good nature.
“I have found that the incident has had a considerable impact on my relationship with friends and family. I have struggled and continue to struggle with Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety since what’s happened. This has led to me avoiding social interactions that before I would be happy to attend, withdrawing away from the people I love, and losing an interest in so many things I used to enjoy. I really struggle with being out late at night or when it’s dark as I feel so scared at the prospect of being attacked. This has been quite debilitating at times as I have had to avoid social interactions for fear of my journey home alone and even has prevented me walking my dogs at night right by my house.”
The second victim said: “I was seeing someone when this happened, but this could not continue after what that man did to me, I really don’t like the thought of getting close to anyone.
“I lie awake at night replaying it all in my head…just last night I could not sleep thinking about it. I was stressed and anxious being at home because he knew where I lived. I did not feel safe there.
“When I go out with my friends I usually drive and don’t drink. I don’t like getting in taxis alone anymore. My lifestyle has had to change which changes the dynamic of my relationships.”
The third victim said: “After the incident in April I have really struggled mentally, physically and emotionally. I have been low; I have lost weight and feel constantly anxious. I feel lost and out of control, I am scared to be on my own and have a constant feeling of hypervigilance.”
Passing sentence on an ‘abhorrent’ offender
Judge Heather Lloyd deemed Asmal to be a dangerous offender and sentenced him to 17 years in custody with a further five years on extended licence. He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
DS Alex Rawsthorn, from the East RASSO Team, said: “I welcome the sentence handed down to Asmal today which reflects the seriousness of his offending and the very real and significant danger he poses to women.
“Asmal deliberately targeted his victims because of their vulnerable state and subjected them to serious sexual harm. Although today’s headlines will quite rightly focus on Asmal’s abhorrent defending, my thoughts are very much with the victims who have been profoundly impacted by his appalling offending. As reflected in their harrowing victim impact statements, all three continue to live with the aftereffects of what Asmal did to them.
“If you or somebody you know has been the victim of a sexual offence I would encourage you to contact the police knowing you will be listened to, believed and that we will do everything we can to put the perpetrator before the courts.”
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