A migrant who sexually assaulted a customer while employed as an Uber Eats delivery driver has been imprisoned for forty-four months. Jitendrakumar Prajapati, aged forty-seven, delivered a food order to the young woman's residence in Boston, Lincolnshire, around midday on January 14th.
Deceptive Tactics and Subsequent Attack
Prajapati persuaded the victim to provide her contact information by falsely claiming he wished to discuss his visa application. He later returned to the property at 5pm, where he raped the woman before sending a text message apologising for the horrific sexual assault.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Appearing at Lincoln Crown Court on March 27th, Prajapati received a five-year custodial sentence, which was reduced to three years and eight months after he pleaded guilty to rape. He was concurrently sentenced to eighteen months for sexual assault and issued with a deportation order.
The court heard that after delivering the food, Prajapati initiated conversation with the vulnerable victim, stating he had recently moved to the area, knew nobody, and required assistance with his visa and employment. He requested her Instagram details, and they exchanged phone numbers.
Sinister Turn of Events
Prajapati returned to her home several hours later, where they engaged in general conversation before the situation turned sinister and he raped her. After departing the property, he messaged his victim stating, 'Hey I am sorry'. He then altered his WhatsApp username and enabled the 'disappearing chat after 24 hours' feature.
Further messages were exchanged where the victim accused him of rape. His responses were apologetic and included pleas for her not to inform anyone.
Police Investigation and Praise for Victim
The courageous woman has been commended by Lincolnshire Police for immediately contacting the force, which resulted in Prajapati being in custody by 9pm that evening. He was arrested on suspicion of rape and non-fatal strangulation, though the latter charge was subsequently dropped in court.
Detective Constable Jessica McKiernan, who led the investigation, remarked: 'Bringing this offender to justice was made possible by the extraordinary courage shown by the victim in coming forward at the earliest opportunity.'
'Her trust in us allowed our officers to begin swift and focused inquiries, which led to the suspect being located within hours. Her bravery has been vital in ensuring he is now held to account. We hope this outcome offers her some sense of reassurance as she moves forward on her own terms.'
Police Statement on Sentencing
Lincolnshire Police clarified: 'Lincolnshire Police are not responsible for sentencing. Policing is part of a broader criminal justice system, and its role is to protect the public, enforce the law, investigate crimes, gather evidence, arrest and detain suspected offenders.'
'Police forces help build case files for court and may be involved in the court process, but do not lead on the sentences convicted offenders receive, where they go to prison, or when they are released.'
