Man who posed as a taxi driver before sexually assaulting a woman sentenced to 18 years in prison

A man who posed as a taxi driver and sexually assaulted a woman has been sentenced to 18 years in prison.

Frank Manuel, 32, of Cheshunt, was found guilty by a unanimous verdict of three counts of rape, two counts of non-fatal strangulation and one count of sexual assault.

The incident occurred in the early hours of April 30 last year. Manuel offered a woman a lift home after a night out in Hertford.

He drove her to remote places and raped and strangled her. Every time the victim screamed during the incident, Manuel strangled her, police said.

The victim managed to escape and was helped by a citizen who took him to a nearby train station and called the police.

Manuel was arrested at his home address on May 2 this year following an investigation to locate the victim’s phone, which had been left in his car.

During the sentencing, the judge called him a “sexual predator.” In addition to the prison sentence, Manuel was given a lifetime sexual harassment prevention order.

The victim’s parents thanked those who supported their daughter and praised her courage in pursuing justice.

Detective Constable Jasbir Pawar, who led the investigation, described the incident as “horrific” and highlighted the lasting impact it would have on the victim.

“I hope that the victim and his family feel a sense of isolation and that justice has now been served, although nothing can undo this man’s actions,” he said.