A TAXI driver who indecently assaulted a woman when she fell asleep in the back of his cab has been jailed for four years.

Karim Merali, of Dalston Gardens, Stanmore, picked up the 30-year-old woman in Covent Garden, Central London, in his unlicensed taxi in September 2002.

He agreed to take her home to Sidcup for £20, but she fell asleep during the journey.

When she woke up, Merali, 48, was kneeling over her, but she was groggy and could not see properly.

Merali drove her home, but the woman knew something had happened because she had to adjust her clothing.

The next day, a friend persuaded her to call the police, and DNA revealed she had been orally assaulted.

Merali was caught in 2006 when he was arrested for running an unlicensed taxi. Tests linked him to the DNA from the assault four years earlier.

He was sentenced to four years in prison yesterday, Wednesday, February 20, at Woolwich Crown Court.

He was also put on the sex offenders register for life and banned from driving a taxi.

DC Peter Thompson, of Bexley Police, who investigated the assault, said: "Merali is a clear threat to women and the seriousness of this offence is reflected in the sentence handed down by the judge.

"The victim has had to relive the ordeal from six years ago. She has seen Merali brought to justice and knows he will be safely behind bars.

"I want to stress that we will investigate all allegations of indecent and sexual assault. Even if they are unsolved at the time, they are not forgotten."