Taxi Driver Rapist Jailed For 18 Years For Near-Identical Crimes – Fareed Issa Tariq, a 43-year-old man, was recently sentenced to 18 years in prison for a series of horrific crimes that he committed against women. Tariq, who resides in Swindon, England, is known for his chilling modus operandi of luring women into his car under the pretense of being a taxi driver. His first attack occurred in 2011, and his second, nearly identical crime took place in 2023. Both incidents were prosecuted at Swindon Crown Court, with Tariq being convicted of rape in the second case.
In the first attack, Tariq offered a lift to a woman who had been out on a night out in Swindon. He drove her to a secluded area and committed a sexual assault. The second incident occurred on April 15, 2023, when he lured another woman into his car after she had been out for the evening. During the journey, he inappropriately touched her before driving her to a layby, where he raped her.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) highlighted Tariq’s lack of remorse and his continued threat to women, noting that his actions were devoid of any sense of guilt or regret. The CPS also pointed out that Tariq had attempted to blame his victims for his crimes, further emphasizing his manipulative and predatory nature.
The case against Tariq was strengthened by the fact that he had committed a near-identical crime 12 years prior, which had not yet expired by the time of his second conviction. This pattern of behavior and the lack of any probation requirements at the end of his first sentence in 2017 underscore the severity of Tariq’s crimes and the need for justice to be served.
The conviction and sentencing of Tariq serve as a stark reminder of the dangers women face when they trust strangers, especially in the context of seeking a taxi home after a night out. It also highlights the importance of vigilance and awareness among women and the community at large to protect themselves from such predators.
The case of Fareed Issa Tariq is a stark example of the devastating impact that sexual assault can have on its victims, as well as the critical role that the justice system plays in holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
What Was The Process For The Trial Of Fareed Issa Tariq?
The trial of Fareed Issa Tariq, who was convicted of rape on February 19, 2024, at Swindon Crown Court, followed a meticulous process that involved the presentation of strong evidence against him.
Tariq initially pleaded not guilty to the charges, attempting to shift blame onto the victim for his actions. However, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Wessex presented a robust defense, utilizing forensic, witness, and phone evidence to discredit Tariq’s claims. This evidence included DNA findings that contradicted Tariq’s attempts to blame the victim for his presence in the case. Additionally, the prosecution highlighted Tariq’s bad character by referencing his previous conviction for a near-identical crime committed in 2011. This evidence was crucial in securing a conviction for rape.
The trial process involved the presentation of evidence from a forensic scientist whose findings discredited Tariq’s claims of how his DNA was present. Despite Tariq’s initial denial and attempts to blame the victim, the prosecution’s strong case, including the forensic evidence and the testimony of witnesses, led to his conviction.
Following the trial, Tariq was sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment, which was extended by five years due to the nature of his crimes and his lack of remorse. This resulted in a total of 18 years’ imprisonment. The sentencing was seen as a significant punishment, reflecting the severity of Tariq’s actions and the impact they had on his victims.
Lisa Garcia, Senior Crown Prosecutor with CPS Wessex, emphasized the danger Tariq posed to women and the importance of prosecuting rape cases. She noted that Tariq’s attempt to blame the victim for his crime and his previous conviction demonstrated a pattern of behavior that was devoid of remorse, making him a threat to the public.
The case of Fareed Issa Tariq serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and reporting sexual assaults. It highlights the role of the justice system in holding perpetrators accountable and the need for continued efforts to protect victims and ensure justice is served.
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