An Uber driver who sexually assaulted an unwell female passenger has been convicted.

Temur Shah, 45, of Park Crescent, Harrow was found guilty on Monday (October 14) for sexual assault while the victim was in an extremely vulnerable condition, following a one-week trial.

During his Uber shift in the early hours of January 15, 2018, Shah picked up a 27-year-old woman from an address in the West End. While driving, Shah stopped the vehicle and insisted that the passenger, who was feeling unwell, to sit in the front.

As the journey continued, the passenger alerted Shah she was going to be sick. Shah stopped the car and leaned over her to open the front passenger door, which he used as an opportunity to sexually touch her and he continued to sexually assault her as she leant out of the vehicle being sick.

Since her phone battery was empty to call for assistance and she did not have money with her, the passenger stayed in the car but told Shah not to touch her again.

The incident was reported to the police shortly after the victim was dropped off near her home in north London.

The Taxi and Private Hire Policing Team then carried out a thorough investigation to talk to Uber and the person who booked the vehicle on behalf of the victim. By analysing CCTV and GPS data collected from Uber, the team were able to collect evidence against Shah.

Shah was arrested for sexual assault on February 2, 2018 and released under investigation. He was charged with sexual assault on January 19, 2019.

Detective Superintendent Andy Cox, from the Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: “Shah despicably took advantage of his position as a trusted licensed driver and sexually assaulted a passenger in a vulnerable state. His conviction was down to a meticulous investigation which left the jury in no doubt as to his guilt.

“If you ever experience unwanted sexual behaviour, report it to the police. You will always be taken seriously, and the incident will be fully investigated.”

Mandy McGregor, head of Transport Policing and Community Safety at TfL, said: “I would like to thank the young woman for coming forward and reporting this so TfL and the police could investigate and take action against the driver.

“We expect the highest standards from TfL licensed taxi and private hire drivers. Not only has Shah been convicted but immediate licensing action was taken to prevent him from continuing in his role as a TfL licensed private hire driver.”