A taxi driver in Dubai is on trial for sexually assaulting a British woman who fell asleep in his cab late at night.
The court in the city of Dubai in northern United Arab Emirates (UAE) heard that the 25-year-old Pakistani defendant was dropping off the 31-year-old British victim at her place of residence in Silicon Oasis in November of last year when the incident allegedly took place.
According to the victim, the taxi driver groped her and tried to kiss her mouth.
The British woman said in court: “It was 11.35 pm when I got in the taxi and sat in the back seat. I was sleeping when he parked his car in an empty area near my residence with no one else around.
“He touched my body and kissed me. I was shocked and pushed him away asking him to stop.”
After the incident, the British victim said that she “took the plate number after he dropped me off and informed police”.
According to local media, the taxi driver has admitted taking the woman home and telling her that he was aware she had been drinking alcohol before trying to kiss her.
A police officer from the Rashidiya station told the court: “He claimed that she flirted with him and touched his face while he was driving before she fell asleep.
“He was excited and parked the vehicle in an empty area and disconnected the cable of the vehicle’s camera before trying to kiss her.”
Reports said that the defendant has admitted the charge of sexual abuse and a verdict is expected on 13th January.
The taxi driver will remain in police custody until that date. Neither the defendant nor the victim have been named.
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Story By: Lee Bullen, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder,  Agency: Central European News
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