ADVERTISEMENT
Kalawizada’s dark blue BMW was parked in a loading bay beside the rank, creating the impression that it was operating as a legitimate taxi. According to evidence heard by the court, the woman approached the vehicle believing it was part of the official queue and asked whether it was available.
She sat in the front passenger seat, later explaining that the rear doors appeared to be locked, further reinforcing her assumption that the car was operating as a taxi.
A Journey That Took an Alarming Turn
Woman showing destination place to taxi … | Stock Video | Pond5
The woman later told the court that she began to feel increasingly uneasy as the car moved further away from her home. One stop was made at a fast-food outlet, and another involved the driver pulling over to speak to her in a manner that caused significant discomfort and concern.
Eventually, the car entered a quiet residential street in Tillicoultry, an area unfamiliar to the passenger. At that point, her fear escalated.
When the car stopped, she heard a clicking sound that she believed indicated the doors had been locked. She attempted to leave the vehicle but was initially unable to open the door.
Evidence presented in court described how Kalawizada attempted to move closer to the woman inside the confined space of the vehicle, touching her without consent. The situation caused her extreme distress.
“I screamed as loudly as I could,” she told the court. “I was trying to get someone to hear me.”
Her actions proved critical. She managed to open the door and escape the vehicle, after which Kalawizada drove away from the scene.
ADVERTISEMENT