Abdul Shohid

A predatory Northampton taxi driver, Abdul Shohid, has been jailed for a total of 12 years and six months following his conviction for rape and two counts of sexual assault. The 47-year-old, who operated a private cab firm, exploited his role of trust to target vulnerable women, dragging his victims through an extensive three-year court process by pleading not guilty.

Shohid, residing on Overstone Road in The Mounts area of Northampton, was arrested in 2015 after two women reported incidents of sexual assault to the police. Subsequent DNA evidence linked him to an unsolved rape case, confirming his involvement in attacks on three known victims. The offences occurred prior to his arrest, though exact dates were not specified in reports from the Northampton Chronicle and Echo.

• Shohid was charged with one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault.
• Police investigations revealed he had been preying on vulnerable women, taking advantage of their intoxicated or isolated states during taxi journeys.
• One victim described the ordeal: "It is clear Shohid is a sexual predator who has been preying on vulnerable women for some time." She highlighted how he abused his position, noting, "Operating a taxi firm, he abused his position of responsibility and took advantage of three women that are known of."

The case proceeded to Northampton Crown Court, where Judge Robert Brown delivered the sentence last month, as reported on 17 May 2018. Shohid received 12 years for the rape and an additional six months for the sexual assaults, to run consecutively. The victim impact statement underscored the emotional toll, stating: "I feel I got away lightly, and if I were in an intoxicated state it may have been a considerably more horrific outcome. My sympathies go to the poor young woman he raped." She also expressed ongoing fear, avoiding taxis at night or alone, and criticised the judicial delays: "It is a sad reflection on the strain and lack of funding on the judicial system that it took eight sets of trial dates and deferments and over three years to bring this individual to justice."

Shohid's refusal to admit guilt forced the victims to relive their trauma in court, demonstrating a lack of remorse. Northamptonshire Police led the investigation, matching forensic evidence that connected the assaults. This case highlights the dangers posed by individuals in positions of public trust, with Shohid's actions described as 'heinous' by those affected.