A rapist who posed as a taxi driver in Swindon to lure a lone woman into his car has been jailed.

Fareed Issa Tariq, 43, was imprisoned for 18 years at Swindon Crown Court on Wednesday, April 3, after he was convicted of rape at the same court in February.

On 15 April 2023, Fareed Issa Tariq, 43, picked up the woman as she was waiting for a taxi after a night out in Swindon.

During the journey he touched her inappropriately before driving her to a layby where he raped her, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

Tariq pleaded not guilty and instead trying to blame the victim for his shocking crime, but strong forensic, witness and phone evidence at trial secured a conviction for rape.

Tariq, of Barnum Court, Swindon, had carried out a near-identical attack in 2011 when he offered a woman a lift after she had been on a night out in Swindon, drove her to a secluded area and raped her.

He was jailed for six years in 2012 as a result.

Swindon Advertiser: The rapist has been jailed for 18 years at Swindon Crown Court.The rapist has been jailed for 18 years at Swindon Crown Court. (Image: Newsquest)

Lisa Garcia, senior crown prosecutor with CPS Wessex, said: “Fareed Tariq is a danger to women.

“Not only did he pose as a taxi driver to prey on a lone victim, Tariq then cruelly tried to blame her for his depraved crime.

“The fact he committed a strikingly similar crime over a decade ago shows he is devoid of remorse and remains a threat to the public.

“We hope his conviction sends a clear message that the CPS is committed to prosecuting rape cases and that we will always strive to deliver justice for victims.”

James Purcell, Major Crime Team Investigator, added: "This was a horrendous incident, where Tariq pretended to be a taxi driver and picked up a vulnerable woman after a night out.

"He took her to a quiet area and raped her before picking up her son from her friend's house.

"I'd like to thank the victim for her incredible bravery through reporting the incident and through what must have been a really difficult trial, reliving a traumatic experience.

"Without her continued assistance, the outcome would not have been possible.

"We would encourage anyone who has been the victim of a sexual assault to please report it, do not suffer alone."