Man pretending to be taxi driver jailed for 22 years after series of rapes on vulnerable woman

Image credit: Lancashire Police

A rapist who lured vulnerable women into his car whilst pretending to be a taxi driver has been handed a 22 year prison sentence.

Nazim Asmal, 35, received his sentence on 1 August 2024 at Preston Crown Court after pleading guilty to four counts of rape.

Asmal’s first attack occurred on 3 October 2021. A woman, making her way home from a night out in Preston city centre, got into his car believing it to be a taxi. Asmal drove her to a remote location, raped her, and then dropped her back in the city centre where she sought help from a passerby.

The second assault took place on 4 March 2023. A woman in Darwen, after a night out, ended up in Asmal’s car. He drove her to a secluded area outside Darwen and raped her. In April, Asmal contacted her twice using a 'no caller ID'. Recognising his voice, the victim ended the call when he suggested they "do something".

On the same evening, Asmal committed another rape. A woman entered his car in Darwen town centre. While driving towards Bolton, he implied she should not pay for the ride. He then stopped in a remote area, raped her, and later dropped her at her home.

Asmal was identified through CCTV footage capturing his black Toyota Yaris. He was subsequently arrested and charged.

Judge Heather Lloyd declared Asmal a dangerous offender. His sentence includes 17 years in custody and a further five years on extended licence. Additionally, Asmal must sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

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.”

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.”