Police hunt suspected cabbie who raped Baildon woman (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Victim sexually assaulted after she got into car

10:17am Friday 5th October 2012 in News By Kathie Griffiths, T&A Reporter

Detectives hunting an apparent private hire driver who raped a young Baildon woman in his car on a remote lane have described the victim’s terrifying ordeal as a “worst nightmare”.

The 20-year-old woman, who is being supported by family and police officers, believed she had got into a cab after clubbing with friends in the centre of Leeds in the early hours of Sunday.

After giving the driver her postcode she fell asleep only to wake in a lane somewhere near Menston with the man sexually assaulting her. Police have released this e-fit of the driver they want to trace.

Despite it being in the middle of nowhere and pitch black, the victim was able to tell detectives roughly where she was attacked because after it happened, and the man said he would take her home, it was about a five-minute journey until she recognised Menston roundabout.

Detective Chief Inspector Scott Wood said the woman was being “strong” helping officers.

She told police the car was a dark-coloured saloon, which had the appearance of a private hire vehicle with a windscreen strip and a sat nav, and described the driver as African or Afro-Caribbean, aged in his late 20s and slim but with chubby cheeks. He spoke little English and was wearing a black shirt.

DCI Wood said: “This attack is every young woman and parents’ worst nightmare. She believed she was being taken safely home after a night out but instead she was put through a frightening experience.

“I am appealing to anyone who feels they recognise the man involved to get in touch immediately. This may have been a genuine private hire vehicle and a genuine driver or it could have been a private cab loaned out unofficially or it could have been a bogus cab and a bogus driver.

“I would urge anyone who recognises the man in the image to contact the police immediately.”

The woman left her two friends to get into the cab in Duncan Street, just off The Calls clubs and bar area of Leeds.

Anyone with any information should to call the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team on 101.