An Uber driver has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for coercing a passenger into his car and sexually assaulting her at knifepoint. Adam Daley, 33, came across the victim and her friend outside a bar in Leicester city center on December 29. Daley offered to drive them home through the Uber app, dropping one woman off before taking the other to a secluded lay-by.
During the ride, he made inappropriate comments and demanded the woman move to the front seat, where he threatened her with a knife and forced her into a sexual act. After the victim pleaded with him to stop, Daley abandoned her in the lay-by and fled. The woman immediately called the police, who located Daley’s vehicle using CCTV and ANPR cameras.
Leicestershire Police apprehended Daley as he tried to destroy evidence by stomping on his mobile phone. Daley, convicted of rape, sexual assault, possession of a bladed article, and making threats to kill, was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court. He also confessed to possessing indecent images of a child found on his phone.
Despite DNA evidence linking the victim to Daley, he denied the charges, claiming the DNA transfer occurred innocently. However, investigators discovered Daley circling the victim after the assault. Police suspect Daley may have targeted other women while working as an Uber driver.
Detective Constable Matt Smith commended the victim for her swift action in contacting the authorities and urged any potential victims to come forward. He emphasized the police’s commitment to supporting and listening to victims of sexual offenses, encouraging them to report any incidents.
