Bogus Taxi Driver Sentenced for Rape in Edinburgh

Mohamad Sabbagh, a 40-year-old man posing as a taxi driver, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for raping a vulnerable woman after a night out in Edinburgh. The incident occurred on May 1, 2022, when Sabbagh offered a ride to the victim and her friend, ultimately driving the victim to a secluded area where he assaulted her while she was intoxicated and unable to consent. During the trial, Sabbagh denied wrongdoing, claiming the encounter was consensual, but he was unanimously convicted by a jury. The court issued a non-harassment order preventing him from contacting the victim and placed him on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely. Judge Lady Ross condemned Sabbagh's actions, stating he exploited the victim's vulnerability and continued to blame her despite the evidence against him. The case has been highlighted as a reminder of the dangers posed by individuals like Sabbagh, with officials urging victims of similar crimes to come forward for justice.