A taxi driver who sexually attacked an intoxicated and sleeping passenger has been jailed for eight years.
Mohammed Ahmed Khalil Daradkeh, 35, was sentenced at the Christchurch District Court today, Christchurch Court News reported.
Daradkeh, who was found guilty of sex charges at a jury trial last month, drove a 19-year-old passenger from a bar to a remote area in Christchurch, partially undressed her and sexually violated her.
He was also charged with abducting the woman with intent to commit sexual violation.
It is believed the woman had passed out in the car because of the combination of alcohol and drugs she was taking.
At sentencing today, Judge O'Driscoll said Daradkeh's security camera was illegally wired so it could be turned off, Christchurch Court News reported.
Daradkeh also failed to contact other drivers once the passenger fell asleep, drove to a remote area, took the signs off his vehicle and admitted having "feelings" for the passenger, Judge O'Driscoll said.
"I suggest you need to have a good hard look at yourself and take responsibility for this offending," he told Daradkeh.
Daradkeh will serve an eight-year term, with a non-parole term of four years, Christchurch Court News reported.
