Nottingham taxi driver jailed for sexual assaulting a woman after night out
Police say his conviction is "thanks to the quick thinking and tenacity of the victim"
Last updated 20th Sep 2023
A taxi driver who sexually assaulted a young woman on the way home from a night out in Nottingham has been jailed.
Khalil Lali, 44, targeted the woman after picking her up in the city centre on 20 September 2022.
As his passenger sat in the front seat, Lali repeatedly grabbed her hand and forcefully held it on the front of his trousers.
The woman fled the vehicle near her home but was able to record a video showing the make of Lali's car and its numberplate.
He originally denied the allegations when he was arrested the next day.
He also claimed that his victim had initiated the contact to try and avoid paying. Nottinghamshire Police say CCTV footage denied this, showing he made unconsented contact earlier in the journey.
Lali, of Austen Avenue, Forest Fields, denied a single charge of sexual assault but was found guilty by a jury at Nottingham Crown Court.
He was sentenced to three years and four months.
Detective Constable Rory Greer, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was an appalling attack by a man who – as a licensed taxi driver – was in a position of trust over his victim.
“Lali clearly thought he could behave in this way without consequence but hadn’t reckoned on the quick-thinking and tenacity of his victim.
“Although she was understandably distraught at what had happened to her, she still had the presence of mind to record crucial details of Lali’s vehicle that allowed us to place him at the scene. She really did an amazing job and I am full of admiration for her.
“I am pleased that Lali has been bought to justice and won’t be able to target any other women in this way in the future.
“I also hope this case serves to encourage other victims of sexual assaults to come forward. We will investigate and will take positive action to protect the public from harm.”Police say his conviction is "thanks to the quick thinking and tenacity of the victim"