Taxi Trickster Nazim Asmal Guilty of Shocking Rapes
Nazim Asmal, a man who targeted vulnerable women by pretending to be a taxi driver, has admitted to a string of horrifying sexual assaults. He lured victims into his car in Preston and Darwen before driving them to remote spots to carry out his vile crimes.
Victims Trapped and Attacked on City Streets
- The first attack happened on October 3, 2021. Asmal picked up a woman in Preston city centre, drove her for ten minutes, and raped her inside the car. Distressed, she later flagged down a passerby for help.
- On March 4, 2023, another victim on a night out in Darwen was shuttled to a secluded area outside town. Asmal raped her there. In a disturbing twist, he later called her in early April from a withheld number, which she ignored.
- April 8, 2023, saw Asmal ring the victim again. She recognised his voice as her attacker but didn’t know his name. The call ended with Asmal asking if she wanted more “activities” with him.
- That evening, Asmal struck again, picking up a third woman in Darwen town centre. He drove her the wrong way towards Bolton, stopped in a quiet location, and raped her before dropping her home.
Captured by CCTV and Brought to Justice
Cops traced Asmal through CCTV, spotting his black Toyota Yaris. The 34-year-old, formerly of Balaclava Street, Blackburn, faced Preston Crown Court on November 17, 2023, where he pleaded guilty to four counts of rape.
He is currently remanded in custody and awaits sentencing on February 13.
Police Urge Victims to Speak Out
“We want to support victims and encourage individuals who have suffered to come forward,” said DI Darren Irving from the East RASSO Team. “You will be listened to and believed. We will do everything to bring offenders like this to justice.”
Anyone wishing to report a sexual offence is urged to visit doitonline.lancashire.police.uk or call 101. If it’s an emergency, dial 999 immediately.
