An illegal mini-cab driver – who launched a late-night sex attack on a terrified lone female passenger who jumped into his car – has been locked up for four years.
Mitcham man Alfred Apicella, 54, walked free for seven months after fondling the 24 year-old victim until police eventually tracked him down.
He was convicted at Kingston Crown Court on two counts of sexual assault, plus one of digital penetration, after picking-up the woman in Tooting Broadway, South-West London, on November 2, last year.
Unlicensed Apicella (pictured), who worked as a courier and ice cream vendor during the day spent his evenings illegally touting for customers as he drove around his local area.
The victim, who had been drinking with friends in Wimbledon, agreed to pay Apicella for a lift home to her Wandsworth Common address at 3.40am and was persuaded to sit in the front.
He agreed she could pop indoors to get cash, but on arrival announced he would waive the fare in exchange for a kiss and cuddle.
He then sexually assaulted her, forcing a finger into her vagina, before she managed to elbow him aside and escape from the vehicle.
The victim made it safely into her home before contacting her partner and subsequently the police.
Seven months later, on May 27, police arrested Apicella at his home address and charged him with sexual assault later that day.
DCI Mark Cranwell from Wandsworth Borough said: "We cannot stress strongly enough, how important it is to ensure that you get home safely and are not drawn into using unlicensed cabs.
"This victim had a terrible ordeal after a night out with her friends and I would like to thank her for her bravery in coming forwards and helping police bring Apicella to justice.”
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