Uber driver, Muhammad Durrani, 38, who was accused of allegedly raping a drunk passenger on the backseat of his car has been convicted.
Southwark Crown Court heard how the driver allegedly attacked the woman in his Toyota after driving her home from a live music club in Clapham, Southwest London.
The court heard how Durrani allegedly followed the woman to her front door and lifted her up and carried her to the back of his car and assaulted her.
The passenger reported him to Uber for his “unprofessional behaviour”.
The incident occurred in the early hours of 24th July 2016. However, following his arrest the next day, Durrani told the police that the sex had been consensual.
The woman told the police, “I was obviously very, very drunk, and he was the sober driver who picked me up and took me to the back of his car without my wanting him to... Because I had been drinking I was a bit disoriented, trying to get my bearings I was walking towards my house trying to find my keys. Then he came out and said 'I will help'. I said 'thank you but I'm fine'. He followed me to my door. He then picked me up and carried me to the backseat.”
Jurors heard that during his police interview, Durrani claimed that the passenger had started to hug and kiss him first outside her house, hence he hugged and kissed her back. He said, “She went into my car herself. She was right outside her front door. She hugged me with her own free will. I tried to control myself for some time but how far could I have controlled myself? I didn't want to do it because it was not right. She forced me into it. After all, a human being is a human being.”
He also claimed that he did not think the woman was drunk when she got into his vehicle and conversed with him.
Durrani had pleaded not guilty, however, he was convicted on Friday 6th April. He is remanded in custody and will be sentenced on Thursday 10th May.
