Taxi driver attacked passenger and stole gifts for her children, court hears

Man groped woman before dragging her out of his car

A taxi driver groped a female passenger and stole gifts she had bought for her children before forcing her out of his vehicle, a court heard.

The woman, whose age and nationality were not disclosed during a hearing at Dubai Criminal Court, had flagged down the taxi in Abu Dhabi to catch a flight at Dubai International Airport on November 12 of last year when she was subjected to the assault.

The defendant, 30, molested the woman after she rejected his advances, then stole her purse, containing Dh3,000 in cash and three mobile phones.

He then then dragged her by her hair and threw her out of the car.

The woman sought help at Jebel Ali Police Station but was so distressed she was unable to give a statement to police for two days.

“I could not take a word out of her – she was crying the whole time,” a police lieutenant said.

The woman was finally able to share details of the incident, including the name of the taxi company she had used.

Police then secured pictures of drivers working for the company and showed them to the woman.

“She went down on two knees and sobbed when she saw the accused’s picture,” said the police officer.

The complainant said the man stole clothes, shoes and sweets she had bought as gifts for her children.

Police launched a hunt for the accused after he went missing from work, finally arresting him as he tried to flee the country from Abu Dhabi International Airport.

The Pakistani driver denied a molestation charge but admitted theft at Dubai Criminal Court on Monday.

The case was adjourned until July 15, when a verdict is due to be handed down.