Rapist who pretended to be taxi driver in Glasgow jailed for six years
Barzan Nawshowani took his victim to the barbershop where he worked
A bogus taxi driver who abducted and raped a woman in a barber shop was jailed today for six years.
Barzan Nawshowani, 38, preyed on her at KS Turkish Barbers in Glasgow's Dennistoun on August 7 2022.
Nawshowani pretended to be a taxi driver to pick up his victim and her friend after a city centre night out.
He went on to take the woman into the barber shop where he worked and closed the shutters.
Nawshowani then switched off the CCTV to the premises.
Nawshowani was found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow to abduction and rape.
'There is no other method of dealing with you other than a lengthy custodial sentence'
Judge Lord Colbeck said: "You did not know your victim - she believed you were a taxi driver.
"You dropped her friend off in Govan and returned to your barber shop in the east end.
"Once your victim entered he shop you closed the electric shutters which prevented her from leaving and you raped her.
"I have regard to the psychological harm suffered which is harrowingly demonstrated in her victim impact statement.
"You targeted someone who was vulnerable at the time of the offence due to her consumption of alcohol.
"You admitted turning off the CCTV in the barber shop which concealed evidence.
"No responsibility has been accepted for the offence and you blame the victim, accusing her of lying about what happened.
"Having considered the circumstances of this case, I am satisfied there is no other method of dealing with you other than a lengthy custodial sentence."
Nawshowani was also put on the sex offenders register for an indefinite period.
Married dad-of-two
Sarah Livingstone, defending, earlier told the sentencing that Nawshowani continued to profess his innocence.
The advocate also said: "He has had a fairly tragic life given his country of origin and suffering caused to the Kurdish people.
"HIs mother, father and five siblings were murdered in a terrorist attack.
"He himself was injured in a separate attack.
"Despite this, he managed with help, to come to Britain and has worked almost consistently culminating in being able to secure a loan to purchase the barber shop."
It was revealed that married dad-of-two Nawshowani has previous convictions for road traffic matters.
Visibly emotional Nawshowani shook his head before being led into the cells.
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