An Uber driver in Glasgow has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old passenger in the back of his vehicle.
Conviction at Glasgow Sheriff Court
Driver Dawitt Tessema, 45, was convicted after a trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court and has now been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing. Sheriff John McCormick told him a custodial sentence was “inevitable.”
The court heard that in the early hours of 15 September 2023, Tessema picked up the teenage victim before pulling over, leaving the driver’s seat, and moving into the back of the car where the assault took place.
A prosecutor explained to jurors:
“He put his hand through the centre console and tried to touch her on the body and leg but could not reach. He then went in the back of the car and touched her under her pants that were still on.”
Breach of Trust
After the incident, the young woman reported Tessema’s behaviour to Uber. In response, he sent her a text message that read:
“I’m really sorry, please forgive me, please, please.”
When later arrested by police, Tessema admitted:
“I have to stop, I made a big mistake.”
Sheriff McCormick described the crime as a serious abuse of trust:
“You accepted the trust of a passenger in your vehicle. There, you had a 19-year-old female who had drunk alcohol to excess. You took advantage of her in the confines of your taxi which was a gross breach of trust.”
Placed on Sex Offenders Register
Tessema has been placed on the sex offenders register, with sentencing due in the coming weeks.
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