First picture of 'predatory' fake taxi driver Thasawar Iqbal who kidnapped and raped a woman

Thasawar Iqbal, aged 41, from Erdington, targeted two women in a matter of months using cocaine to sexually attack them

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This is the first picture of a 'predatory' sex attacker who raped a woman after lying he was taxi driver. Thasawar Iqbal targeted lone females outside Birmingham city centre nightclubs in the early hours of the morning.

The 41-year-old sexually assaulted two victims in a matter a months, raping the second woman after he had been arrested and bailed for attacking the first. After being found guilty of multiple offences, including kidnap and rape, he was declared 'dangerous' and sentenced to 17 years, with an extended five-year licence period at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday, May 26.

West Midlands Police has now released his picture whilst paying testament to the courage of his two victims who 'endured traumatic ordeals'. Iqbal first struck on December 18, 2021 when he approached a woman in Birmingham city centre and claimed he was a taxi driver.

READ MORE: Fake taxi driver who kidnapped and raped woman after prowling nightclubs jailed

She had been rowing with her boyfriend before she got in the car. Iqbal drove her to an unknown location, consuming cocaine and alcohol on the way. He kissed the female and suggested they have sex and film it. But the victim managed to escape when he stopped to purchase more drugs.

Having been arrested in relation to that and bailed, Iqbal was back on the hunt again in the early hours of July 9, 2022. He pursued a woman walking alone on the A34 and again lied he was a taxi driver. She initially refused his offer for a lift but he persisted and she got in his car.

But Iqbal took her to a pub car park where he raped her multiple times during a prolonged attack. He dropped her off near her home after she agreed to take his telephone number.

Iqbal, of Birchdale Road, Erdington, was found guilty of two counts of kidnap with intent to commit a sexual offence, two counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, two counts of sexual assault and one offence of assault by penetration.

Det Con Soniya Ram, from West Midlands Police Public Protection Unit, said: "Iqbal is a predatory sexual offender. Although an opportunist his actions were persistent and pre-planned, posing as a taxi driver to pick up young vulnerable women, driving them to locations of his choice and sexually abusing them. He put both women through such fear and sexual violence, completely disregarding the fact he was already being investigated when he committed further offences in July last year.

"The women endured traumatic ordeals but bravely came forward to recount what happened to them to help us apprehend him. With the help of the Crown Prosecution Service we remanded him in custody from July 2022 to prevent others becoming victims. Iqbal's conviction is testament to both women's courageous actions and, thankfully, he is now off the streets and will be behind bars for a long time."

The force encouraged any victims of sex attacks - no matter how long ago they occurred - to come forward assuring they had specialist officers to taken them through the process and emphasising they would have an automatic right to anonymity for the rest of their life. Find more information on the force's ' sexual assault' website page.

The Survivors Trust

The Survivors Trust is the largest umbrella agency for specialist rape and sexual abuse services in the UK.

Their services work with victims and survivors of all ages, all genders, of all forms of sexual violence, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation, including support for partners and family members.

If you have been a victim of a sexual offence, you can call the free helpline on 08088 010 818.

Rape and Sexual Violence Project (RSVP)

The Rape and Sexual Violence Project - covering Birmingham and Solihull - offers a wide range of services to both survivors and the people supporting you, including compassionate support for male survivors and children and young people.

You can contact the RSVP for free support via their helpline 0121 643 4136 or [email protected].

West Midlands Police

If you wish to report a sexual offence, no matter when it took place, you can find out more information here.

If you are in immediate danger, always call 999.

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