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A Norwich taxi driver has been jailed after sexually assaulting three women in his vehicle.
Alexandru Tapurin, 36, of Tizzick Close, in Norwich admitted to three counts of sexual assault relating to three victims between 19 and 22 January 2024.
The first victim had been out in a city pub and was being taken home in Tapurin’s vehicle in the early hours of 20 January when he repeatedly asked her for sex, and forced her to engage in sexual activity.
Later that night the second victim booked a taxi via an app and was collected in the city centre by Tapurin just before midnight.
During the journey he pulled into a side road and made repeated, unwanted advances to the woman both verbally and physically.
After she refused him multiple times he started the engine and took her home.
The third victim was picked up by Tapurin in his cab in the early hours of 21 January.
When they reached her destination he again made unwanted advances both physically and verbally telling his victim ‘I’ll see you again,’ as she got out of the car.
Appearing at Norwich Crown Court for sentencing on Friday 6 September Tapurin was jailed for 21 months.
He was also issued with a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) and placed on the sex offenders register.
DS Ricki Peake who led the investigation said: “It goes without saying that women should be able to rely on a taxi to get them home safely whether they are on a night out with friends, in the city, or finishing a shift at work.
“To find themselves in a vehicle with someone they should be able to trust is terrifying and a huge breach of trust. I commend the victims for their bravery and strength in coming forward.
“Support is always available from our officers and Norfolk Police will do everything we can to secure justice for victims.”
If you have been a victim of rape, sexual assault or another sexual crime like indecent exposure there are a number of ways to get help even if you are not ready to report it to police.
To find out more about all the various options click the link here.