Taxi driver threatened with false rape claim

Once again, a taxi driver was the target of a false rape threat. (Taxi drivers are not infrequent targets of false rape claims. See here: http://goldenstatesociety.blogspot.com/2011/03/another-woman-falsely-cries-rape.html)

Mohammed Asif, who works for Brighouse Taxis, picked up Natalie Woods, Nicola Cliberon, and Mark Mbye in Rastrick this last November, and was asked to take them to Huddersfield town centre. During the drive, one of the young women began making sexual advances to Mr. Asif, which turned out to be insincere.

Eventually, Mr. Asif pulled the taxi over and asked for the fare, said Prosecutor Simon Batiste, and after Mbye and Cliberon exited the taxi, Ms. Woods asked him to drive further up the street.

At some point, Woods told him that if he didn't give her money, she would scream and say he had attempted to rape her. Mr. Asif called her bluff and threatened to call the police. She asked him not to, and he drove her back down the street.

Cliberon and Mbye got back in the taxi, where they grabbed Mohammed and pulled him back against the seat while Woods tried to pull money out of the front pocket of his clothes. The court heard that she was able to rip the pocket and steal roughly £30.

Mr. Astif tried to grab Woods and drive to the police station but all three were able to escape.

It appears that Woods and Cliberon have numerous prior convictions, but none for robbery.

Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC stated that Woods admitted that she was the prime instigator and the judge jailed her for two years after she pleaded guilty to robbery. Cliberon and Mbye also admitted to being involved, but neither of them were jailed. (Cliberon was actually given a 12 month sentence, but it was suspended, with a three month night time home curfew. She must also do 150 hours of community service work and be under supervision for a year. Mbye was given a 12 month community order which includes an alcohol reduction program, a year supervision and 120 hours of community service.)

“Finally with the brief assistance of the others you robbed him of his takings,” said Judge Durham Hall.

“I can’t overlook this Miss Woods. You came to court knowing you had to go to prison for this offence. You have taken onto your shoulders much of the blame which is to your credit.”

Link: http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/local-west-yorkshire-news/2011/07/30/woman-who-threatened-huddersfield-cabbie-with-fake-rape-claim-before-robbing-him-is-jailed-86081-29145715/2/