A former translator for the British Army, Abdul Nabizada, 36, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for the rape of a 19-year-old woman in Edinburgh. Nabizada picked up the victim in November 2021 as she was returning home from a night out, believing his taxi to be a pre-booked vehicle.
Instead of taking her home, Nabizada confiscated her phone and drove her to a secluded area in Joppa, near Edinburgh, where he assaulted her. The court heard that Nabizada detained the victim against her will, touched her, and a struggle ensued before the rape occurred. The victim subsequently escaped the vehicle and contacted friends, who found her distressed.
Nabizada, who stated he came to the UK in 2016, was found guilty at trial last month and sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh. Investigating officers found his DNA on the victim's clothing. CCTV footage from the area showed Nabizada repeatedly returning to the location after the attack.
Sentencing Nabizada, Judge John Morris KC described the act as a "crime of opportunism," emphasizing the serious nature of the sexual assault on a vulnerable woman. The judge noted the long-lasting impact on the victim, who was intoxicated and vulnerable at the time of the assault, a vulnerability Nabizada should have recognized.
David Taylor, Nabizada's defense lawyer, informed the court that his client had worked for Western militaries, primarily as an interpreter, in Afghanistan. Nabizada currently holds indefinite leave to remain in the UK and had applied for British citizenship. Mr. Taylor indicated Nabizada's concern about potential deportation following his conviction.
Judge Morris took into account positive references submitted for Nabizada, his lack of prior convictions, and that he is a father of four. Alongside the seven-year prison sentence, Nabizada was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely and was issued a non-harassment order prohibiting contact with the victim.
Faye Cook, Procurator Fiscal for High Court sexual offenses, highlighted the victim's courage and the police's diligent work in piecing together evidence. She stated that the victim should have been able to trust her journey home to be safe and that prosecutors treat all reports of sexual abuse with utmost seriousness.
Detective Inspector Kirsty McArthur added that Nabizada will face consequences for his actions and encouraged anyone who has been a victim of sexual crimes to come forward, assuring them of thorough investigations and support from specially trained officers and partner agencies.