A man posing as a taxi driver has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman who got into his car in Cardiff city center. Virender Sohal, 42, took advantage of the victim who had been out drinking and had lost her friends. The incident, which occurred in 2022, left the woman with lasting anxiety, as she stated she would have to live with the trauma for the rest of her life. Sohal, parked near Heidi’s bar in Mill Lane, offered to give the victim a lift, claiming to be trustworthy. However, during the journey, he touched the victim’s thigh without her consent, causing distress and fear for the victim.
According to the court proceedings at Cardiff Crown Court, Sohal had been actively seeking lone females to target for over an hour before approaching the victim. Despite being found guilty of sexual assault, he was acquitted of assault by penetration and was described as having a previous good character. In a victim personal statement, the woman expressed the ongoing impact of the assault on her mental health, revealing that she still suffers from anxiety and sleepless nights, affecting her day-to-day life. Her statement conveyed the lasting trauma caused by the incident.
During the sentencing, it was highlighted that Sohal had family responsibilities and was the sole breadwinner supporting his wife, daughter, and family members in India. His defence lawyer, Christopher Rees KC, emphasized the potential repercussions on Sohal’s relatives if he were to be incarcerated. Despite this, Recorder Christian Jowett emphasized the need to protect vulnerable individuals from the risks posed by Sohal and issued a sentence of 22 weeks imprisonment suspended for 18 months. Additionally, Sohal was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, complete a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement, and comply with sex offender notification requirements for seven years. He was also directed to pay £200 in costs.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by individuals who exploit vulnerable situations for personal gain. The victim’s courage in coming forward and sharing her ordeal sheds light on the importance of raising awareness about consent, safety, and the prevalence of such crimes in society. The sentencing reflects the seriousness of the offence and aims to deter similar behaviour in the future. It underscores the significance of supporting survivors of sexual assault and the need for ongoing counselling and mental health resources to address the long-term effects of such traumatic experiences.
As the legal process unfolds, it is crucial for communities to stand in solidarity with survivors of sexual assault and work towards creating safer environments for all individuals. The case highlights the need for continued vigilance and awareness to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. By holding perpetrators accountable and providing support to survivors, society can strive towards a safer and more inclusive future for all individuals.