Taxi driver jailed after sex attacks

Mohsen Nilchian, of Marina, St Leonards, was sent to prison after a court heard he prowled on women he picked up to ferry home in the early hours of the morning.

The 50-year-old was found guilty of sexually assaulting two women while working as a cabbie in Hastings between 2007 and 2009.

Lewes Crown Court heard Nilchian's first victim was a 25-year-old he picked up from outside a town centre pub at 3.30am on June 23, 2007. He assaulted her in his cab.

And the second, a 17-year-old girl, was attacked on May 2, 2009 after getting into his car at 3.30am '“ again in Hastings town centre.

He was sentenced last week and, speaking after the hearing, Detective Constable Jay Mendis-Gunasekera of Hastings Police, was delighted with the result.

He said: "I am pleased Nilchian has been put away for these crimes. He abused the trust of two women who had got into his cab in order to get home safely.

"I want to thank his two victims who bravely came forward to give evidence."

Nilchian was stripped of his cabbie's licence and a spokesman for Hastings Borough Council urged people not to be put off using taxis in the future.

Councillor Phil Scott, head of environment at the local authority, said: "We are pleased with this verdict.

"Mohsen Nilchian had his taxi driving licence suspended the moment we were informed there was an investigation into these two awful assaults on women.

"This was an isolated incident and licensed taxi cabs and licensed private hire cars are still the safest way for women to travel at night.

"We would advise anyone worried about using taxis to stick with a reputable firm and to check the driver's licence.

"If you have any doubts then don't get in."