‘DEPLORABLE’: Fake Glasgow taxi driver found guilty of serious sexual assault

A 40-year-old man pretending to be a taxi driver has been found guilty of the serious sexual assault of a woman in Glasgow in August 2022.

Barzan Nawshowani was convicted at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday 2 February 2024 following a two-week trial. He will be sentenced in due course.

On Sunday, 7 August 2022, Nawshowani pretended to be a taxi driver and picked up a woman and her friend in his car from Glasgow City Centre after a night out. After dropping off the friend, he drove the woman to premises in the East End of the city where he seriously sexually assaulted her.

Detective Chief Inspector Iain Nelson said: “Barzan Nawshowani took advantage of a woman who, believing him to be a bona fide taxi driver, trusted him to make sure she got home safely. He totally abused that trust and what he did was deplorable.

“I would like to praise the woman for coming forward to police. Her courage and testimony are what had him convicted today and also importantly it made sure he is no longer a risk to other woman at this time.”