The Ballarat Magistrates Court has charged former taxi driver Jagjit Singh for sexually assaulting a female passenger on the night of June 10th last year, reports
31-year-old Mr Singh, a father of two young children from India who had pleaded not guilty to one count of sexual assault was fined $7,500 for the offence on Thursday.
Mr Singh was driving the 'slightly drunk' complainant home around midnight when he asked her for a hug to which she replied, “yeah, whatever”.
He left the young complainant in utter shock when he advanced to kiss her on her lips and later moved on to her breast, after the consented hug.
On discovering a love bite on her breast, she discussed the encounter with her friends on social media, who encouraged her to report the driver.
Mr Singh’s counsel Gordon Chisholm had told a contested hearing on April 11th earlier this year that his client admitted to hugging and kissing the complainant, which he claimed was consensual, but however, denied allegations of touching her breasts and giving her a love bite.
Reprimanding the cabbie after the charge was proven, Magistrate Gregory Robinson said Singh’s conduct was despicable and appalling.
"She consented to the hug but not the next step you took. For you to abuse your trust as a professional taxi driver is despicable."- Magistrate Gregory Robinson
In Mr Singh’s defense, his lawyer Mr Chisholm further contended that a conviction would make it difficult for his client to get a permanent residency in Australia.
His contention was however dismissed by Mr Robinson who said young people relying on taxis must not be exposed to such behaviour.
Whilst there are no definite statistics available on the number of such offences, there is compelling evidence that indicates that many women have experienced inappropriate behavior from taxi drivers ranging from discomforting stares to abuse and physical assault.
According to a study conducted by Plan International Australia, at least half of the 452 women surveyed in Sydney said they felt unsafe taking a cab or a ride-sharing service. Whist 80 per cent women felt hopping in a taxi at night was not safe.
