A pervy taxi driver has been banned from the profession and placed on the Sex Offenders' Register after trying to kiss and touch a female passenger in the car.

Amer Salamat was on duty in the early hours of the morning when he picked up a woman at a Newcastle City Centre taxi rank last September.

The 55-year-old then drove the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, back to her County Durham home when he engaged in unwanted behaviour.

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This included an attempt to kiss her before touching of leg and then giving her his mobile phone number.

After arriving at her destination, she told members of her family who encouraged her to report the incident to police. An investigation was launched.

This week, the taxi driver was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court and handed a six-month prison sentence, following a trial. Salamat had denied the offence.

In court, he was also placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for seven years and banned from working as a taxi driver for life.

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Detective Constable Christopher Bentham, from Durham Constabulary’s Digital Investigations Unit, said: “The victim in this case has shown enormous bravery throughout the investigation - from coming forward and speaking out straight away to giving evidence in court and facing Salamat.

“Salamat completely abused his position of trust as a taxi driver by trying to groom a vulnerable woman who was alone in his car.

“I hope that the conclusion of the trial will allow the victim to close this chapter of her life and move on.”

If you, or someone you know, has suffered abuse, report it to Durham Constabulary on 101, or call 999 if life is in immediate danger.

You can also contact The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 03333 448 283, or visit themeadowsdurham.org.uk

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