A PERVERT taxi driver has been banned from driving or using licensed vehicles after being convicted of sexually assaulting a teenager in the back of his cab.

Mohammed Monjur Hussain, 38, denied sexually assaulting the 17-year-old, when she sought refuge in his taxi after breaking up with her boyfriend on June 18 last year.

She was crying and clearly upset when she got into the vehicle in Guy Street, Brierfield.

But during a trial at Preston Crown Court, it emerged Hussain took the opportunity to get in the back of the cab and tried to kiss her on the lips.

A jury was told the victim turned her face away but Hussain brushed against her cheek.

During the trial, Hussain claimed the young woman had made the allegation up, motivated by racism.

But the jury found him unanimously guilty in what Judge James Adkin, sentencing, said was 'an overwhelming case'.

He said: “Why on earth you thought it was appropriate to try and kiss a 17-year-old who was crying and had taken refuge in your taxi I can not fathom.”

Since the attack, the woman said she has felt anxious and has not been comfortable travelling in taxis.

She now relies on her mum to drive her around and feels uncomfortable going to her boyfriend’s apartment, which is close to the taxi rank, the court heard.

Judge Adkin banned Hussain, of Warwick Drive, Brierfield, from driving or travelling in taxis, working for any taxi firm, applying for a taxi licence or being in a vehicle with any lone female.

He also made a restraining order banning Hussain from contacting his victim.

He said: “You have no remorse or insight whatsoever.

“Everything that has befallen you is your fault. You have lost your job and you have no income.”

Hussain, who has no previous convictions, was handed a six month sentence suspended for 12 months and was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

He must also pay £500 compensation to his victim, and will be on the sex offenders register for seven years.