Colchester Man Jailed for Sexual Assault After Fleeing Country
Arjun Rajan, 33, was slapped with an eight-year prison sentence — despite skipping the UK. The Colchester man was convicted in his absence for sexually assaulting a woman he tricked into a lift by pretending to be a taxi driver.
Caught on CCTV Pretending to Be a Taxi Driver
In the early hours of 24 July 2022, just after midnight, Rajan was spotted driving alone into Colchester city centre on CCTV. He parked on High Street, then loitered nearby on Head Street for half an hour before spotting his victim waiting for a taxi home.
He followed her onto High Street and offered a lift, posing as a cabbie. The woman trusted him and got into the car, unaware of the horror to come.
Terrifying Assault Inside Moving Vehicle
As Rajan drove towards her home, he sexually assaulted the woman. Showing immense bravery, she told him to stop the car, then walked the rest of the way home alone before reporting the attack to police.
Fugitive Convicted, Sentenced in Absence
- Police identified and arrested Rajan on the very same day.
- He appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court in July 2023 but fled the country before trial.
- An arrest warrant was issued as he went on the run.
- On 7 October 2025, a jury found him guilty without him being present.
- On 4 December, he was sentenced to eight years behind bars.
- He must also register as a sex offender for life and is under an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Rajan remains on the run overseas, but justice was served thanks to the victim’s courage. Authorities continue their hunt to bring him back to face full punishment.
