Key Takeaways:
- Satwinder Singh, an Uber driver, was sentenced to 7 years and 2 months in prison for raping a female passenger in February 2023.
- The victim was picked up from a pub and was supposed to be taken to a friend’s house, but Singh turned off his GPS and drove her to a different location where he committed the crime.
- The rape had a significant impact on the victim, causing her to feel anxious, depressed, and unable to leave her home.
- The judge rejected Singh’s defence submissions that the sexual activity was consensual or didn’t happen at all.
- Singh’s lawyer argued that prison would be disproportionately severe for him due to his cultural background and limited time in New Zealand, but the judge was not convinced.
Introduction to the Case
The case of Satwinder Singh, an Uber driver who raped a female passenger in February 2023, has highlighted the importance of safety and trust in the ride-sharing industry. The victim, who was picked up from a pub and was supposed to be taken to a friend’s house, was instead driven to a different location where Singh committed the crime. The incident has had a profound impact on the victim, causing her to feel anxious, depressed, and unable to leave her home. In this article, we will explore the details of the case, the impact on the victim, and the sentencing of Singh.
The Crime and Its Impact
On February 11, 2023, the victim booked an Uber from the Speight’s Ale House to a Hamilton East house to meet up with friends. However, instead of taking her to her destination, Singh turned off his GPS and drove her to Peachgrove Rd. During the trip, Singh’s sexual interest in the victim was "piqued" after he asked her if she was wearing any underwear, and he began touching and rubbing her thigh despite her objections. The victim described the rape as "very rough and very hurtful" and was left in a "distressed state" after being dropped off at her friend’s house. The incident has had a significant impact on the victim, causing her to feel anxious, depressed, and unable to leave her home. She now lives with her parents and doesn’t like leaving their property for too long, and the outside world now "feels unsafe and threatening".
The Trial and Sentencing
During the trial, Singh’s defence counsel, Nadine Baier, argued that the sexual activity was consensual or didn’t happen at all. However, the judge rejected these submissions, finding that Singh’s actions were deliberate and calculated. The judge also found that Singh’s defence was "trying to lie his way out of it", which had only added to the hurt that he’d already caused. Baier pushed for a hardship discount, saying that prison would be disproportionately severe for Singh due to his cultural background and limited time in New Zealand. However, the judge was not convinced, citing the fact that Singh was an Uber driver in New Zealand and that dispensation would set a precedent for others to ask for special treatment.
The Judge’s Decision
The judge, Judge Clark, struggled to grasp the defence position, asking Baier to give discounts for Singh’s background factors while still denying any wrongdoing. However, she did accept that Singh’s upbringing "may well have created in him a level of distorted thinking about how New Zealand women behave". The judge found several aggravating features, including a breach of trust, given that Singh was an Uber driver. She said, "I’m not sure what the vetting is for an Uber driver… but there’s an expectation on behalf of customers and the general public that drivers of such vehicles are people that you are safe with." After taking an eight-year jail starting point, she allowed discounts totalling 10% for Singh’s previous good character and his upbringing, and jailed him for seven years and two months.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The case of Satwinder Singh highlights the importance of safety and trust in the ride-sharing industry. The incident has had a profound impact on the victim, causing her to feel anxious, depressed, and unable to leave her home. The judge’s decision to jail Singh for seven years and two months reflects the seriousness of the crime and the need to hold perpetrators accountable. The case also raises questions about the vetting process for Uber drivers and the need for greater accountability and transparency in the industry. As the victim continues to recover from her ordeal, it is essential that we prioritize her safety and well-being, as well as the safety and well-being of all passengers who use ride-sharing services.