Taxi driver jailed for Norwich attacks on three women

Alexandru Tapurin, 36, had been working as a self-employed taxi driver for ABC in Norwich when he gave lifts to the women - who cannot be identified for legal reasons - from pubs in the city.

ABC Taxis in Norwich (Image: ABC Taxis) Norwich Crown Court heard at least two of the victims were locked in Tapurin's Toyota car during the attacks which happened between January 19 and 22 this year.

Norwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest) Danielle O'Donovan, prosecuting, said Tapurin picked up the first victim from the William IV pub, telling her she was "attractive and really pretty".

He dropped her at a friend's house and urged her to take his number so she could call him when she wanted picking up.

When she got back into his car later, Tapurin - who used a Romanian interpreter in court - pulled over into a side street and locked the taxi's doors.

Miss O'Donovan said the victim, who was in the front passenger seat, became "very anxious" and "tried to create some distance" between them.

The woman said she wanted to go home before he leaned over and asked her for "half an hour", but she said "no".

He again leaned over, kissing her neck and put his hands between her legs, touching her over her clothing for about 15 minutes.

Tapurin eventually unlocked the door before letting her go, telling her "I will see you again".

Miss O'Donovan said he then picked up a second woman, aged 48, from the Fiveways pub.

Fiveways pub (Image: Google) He asked the victim, who was sat in the front seat, if she wanted sex and if he could come in with her when they reached her home.

She said no but he continued "badgering" her before grabbing her hand and forcing her to touch him.

In a further incident a third lone woman, then 18, was picked her up from the Bell Hotel.

The Bell Hotel, Norwich (Image: Newsquest) The victim sat in the back of the taxi and was told she was "beautiful" by Tapurin who then turned into a side road.

He stopped the car, turned to look at her and said: "Shall we do this."

The woman said "no" but he turned and touched her skin before later taking her home.

Tapurin, of Tizzick Close, Norwich, appeared in court for sentence on Friday, having previously admitted three counts of sexual assault.

Alexandru Tapurin (Image: Norfolk Constabulary) Jailing him for 21 months Lord Justice Edis said he had "engaged in predatory conduct".

He said Tapurin had admitted three "significant sexual offences" against three lone females who "simply wanted to get home safely".

Lord Justice Edis said each had trusted him to get them home but he "took advantage of that trust" and sexually assaulted them.

Michael Clare, mitigating, accepted there had been a "breach of trust" against all three victims.

He said Tapurin, who was of previous good character, admitted the offences, sparing victims the ordeal of coming to court to give evidence.

Mr Clare said the defendant had extreme remorse which was "sincere" and had excellent insight into his offending. 

Tapurin was also made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) for 10 years and put on the sex offenders register, also for 10 years.

A spokesman for ABC Taxis, said: "The disturbing incident involving Alexandru Tapurin is completely unacceptable and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the victims and their families.

"As soon as we were made aware of the Tapurin incidents, he was reported to the local licensing authority, his license was revoked, and he was permanently barred from operating via ABC Taxis."

Speaking after the case, DS Ricki Peake who led the investigation said Tapurin had committed a "huge breach of trust".

He commended the victims for their "bravery and strength in coming forward" after what must have been a "terrifying" ordeal.