A TAXI driver who sexually assaulted a Brit tourist, telling her “this is how it’s done in Spain”, has avoided jail time.
Ranjit Singh, 29, abandoned the holidaymaker at airport after assaulting her.
Taxi driver Ranjit Singh, 29, in court in Palma where he pled guilty to sexual assaultCredit: Solarpix
Palma Criminal Court slapped Singh with a fine but let him off without jail timeCredit: Solarpix
The taxi driver abandoned the Brit tourist at Palma airport after assaulting herCredit: Solarpix
Prosecutors had demanded three years behind bars for the sexual assault – but Singh was let off with a fine after admitting wrongdoing in a plea bargain deal.
A court in the capital Palma slapped Singh with a £2,500 fine and ordered him to pay £4,335 to his 33-year-old victim in compensation.
The British tourist had called a cab to help her get to her hotel safely after a night of drinking on Magaluf’s party strip Punta Ballena.
Her friend had hailed the taxi “due to her state and to protect her”, documents said.
But Singh changed routes, her instead to Palma airport against her will.
Just a few metres into the journey, he ordered her to pay £40 and told her to move to the front passenger seat.
Court documents stated: “She followed his instructions, paying with a card.
“Following on from that the accused, taking advantage of an inebriated woman who was alone in a place she didn’t know, changed the agreed route and took the motorway towards the airport.”
The cabbie then took advantage of her vulnerable state and assaulted her.
Prosecutors said: “On the way, with lascivious and lustful intent, he touched her breasts and her groin over her clothes and tried to kiss her.
“When they reached the airport he told her to get out and said: ‘This is how things are done in so get used to it’.”
The assault took place in the early hours of October 3, 2023.
After the incident, the British tourist needed counselling for severe anxiety and .
She also suffered flashbacks as a result of the assault.
Singh pleaded guilty in a last minute plea bargain deal between his lawyer, a public prosecutor and a lawyer acting for his victim.
It was not immediately clear if he is still working as a taxi driver in Mallorca.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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