An illegal mini-cab driver has been convicted of the rape and sexual assault of two male passengers following a two-week trial at Woolwich Crown Court.
The jury heard how Mohamad Caid, 38, had been touting as an unlicensed mini-cab driver on two separate occasions in May of this year close to Charing Cross station. Both victims had been making their way home after leaving Heaven nightclub, when Caid engaged them in conversation and persuaded them to accept a ride.
In the first incident, the 19 year-old victim was driven to the Lewisham area of South London before being sexually assaulted. Five days later, the second victim, an 18 year-old man was attacked after he and his friend accepted a ride to Fenchurch Street station in the City.
Caid followed the men after dropping them off and coerced one into returning to his car. He then drove him to a nearby location where he was raped.
Following the trial, the police are encouraging gay men who have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault to have confidence in reporting such incidents.
City of London Police’s Detective Inspector Dave Carter, who lead the investigation into the rapes said; “I want to reassure gay men that we treat every report seriously. We have specially trained officers and the support of the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor services, to help and support victims from their initial report, throughout the investigation and during court proceedings. Victims can also ask for the support of a gay officer during the investigation.
“This case unfortunately illustrates that the advice in the national police rape awareness campaign is as relevant to gay men as to other members of our community.”
Police forces nationally are supporting the campaign to raise awareness of rape in the lead-up to the Christmas party season when there is the potential for incidents of rape and sexual assault to increase.
One of the victims, who wishes to remain anonymous, spoke of his experience with the police. He told PinkPaper.com: "I doubted going to the police. It was other people, my sister and a friend who encouraged me to report the rape. Now, I'd say anyone who has been assaulted that's gay should definitely 100% report it to the police. They treat you really well. I've seen another side to the police though this case - they are really caring.
"Over the past six months, the effects of the rape have left me feeling suicidal. The HIV medication and the hepatitis jabs I had to take afterwards left me feeling really ill - I was physically sick for a month. But it is really important to get the medical help you need.
“The two City of London police officers dealing with my welfare, Clinton and Deb, have been there to support me. On one occasion, they rushed to my home when I told them how distressed I was."