Bogus cab driver jailed for Clapham rape (From Croydon Guardian)

Bogus cab driver jailed for Clapham rape

2:11pm Friday 12th October 2012 in News

A rapist has been jailed for six years after he attacked a woman in the back room of a Clapham shop.

Atiq Rehman, 20, from Croydon, followed the 22-year-old victim soon after she left Inferno's nightclub, in Clapham High Street, in the early hours of April 29.

Spotting she was unsteady on her feet, the Pakistani national, who claimed he was a taxi driver, exploited her drunken state led her to a shop in Clapham South Side.

Once there, he showed her into a back room and raped her. After the attack he threatened to beat her up and said he would tape up her mouth if she made a noise or told anyone.

Detective Constable Lisa Greedy, of Sapphire, said: "This was an horrific attack by a man who had no qualms in exploiting a woman who he believed to be intoxicated.

"The fact that he then threatened his victim with violence only added to her trauma.

"I would like to pay tribute to the victim who showed strength and determination throughout the investigation.

"This case shows that we will do everything in our powers to pursue those responsible for such shocking attacks and I would urge all victims of sex crimes to come forward.

"You will be treated with the utmost sensitivity regardless of the circumstances."

The women reported the incident to the police and Sapphire detectives, who specialise in investigating rape, tracked Rehman down in Manchester.

Officers found CCTV footage of him with the victim in Clapham South Side just before the attack - they also found his DNA on the victim.

He appeared at Camberwell Green Magistrates' Court on May 28 and admitted the offence at Inner London Crown Court on September 6.

Rehman was sentenced at the same court today (October 12).