This woman was found a moment ago without a cab…

While cameras did not capture visual evidence of the incident itself, an audio recording from nearby equipment recorded a high-pitched scream followed by sounds of distress at approximately 1:56 a.m. Prosecutors told the court that this audio strongly supported the woman’s account.

The recording was played during the trial and was described as deeply unsettling.

Stirling Council also confirmed during proceedings that Kalawizada was not, and had never been, a licensed taxi driver.

The Accused’s Account
Mamhoud Kalawizada, a Syrian upholsterer, looking at the camera outside Falkirk Sheriff Court.

Kalawizada, who was living in Stirling at the time but now resides in North London, denied all allegations. Giving evidence through an interpreter, he claimed that he had been in Stirling after dining with friends when the woman approached him asking for a lift.

He told the court that he agreed to help because he “felt sorry for her” and insisted that no inappropriate behavior took place. He denied detaining her, denied making advances, and denied misrepresenting himself as a taxi driver.

Despite his testimony, the jury rejected his version of events.

Guilty Verdict and Immediate Custody
After a three-day trial, jurors took less than 90 minutes to reach a unanimous guilty verdict on all charges. These included misleading the woman by implying he was a taxi driver, unlawfully detaining her by diverting from her stated destination, and using a vehicle for hire without the appropriate licence or insurance.

Following the verdict, Sheriff Craig Harris ordered that Kalawizada be remanded in custody pending sentencing reports.

Explaining the decision to revoke bail, the sheriff described the conduct as “predatory behaviour against a young woman” and emphasized the serious risk posed to public safety.

“This conviction involved deliberate deception,” the sheriff said. “It demonstrates a danger to members of the public, particularly women who rely on transport late at night.”

Sheriff Harris added that higher courts had consistently made clear that crimes involving deception and exploitation of individuals seeking safe transport would be treated with the utmost seriousness.

“There is a substantial risk of further offences if bail were granted,” he concluded.