TAXI DRIVER FACES COURT OVER ALLEGED SEXUAL ASSAULT OF PASSENGER IN NEWCASTLE

A 36-year-old taxi driver has appeared before Newcastle Magistrates' Court accused of sexually assaulting a woman while she was a passenger in his vehicle.

Malik Masood is alleged to have committed the offence on August 25 after picking the woman up from Newcastle City Centre and driving through Cullercoats in North Tyneside.

During the brief hearing, the court heard that Masood, of Middlesbrough, "was working as a taxi driver and had collected the suspected victim" when the alleged sexual touching occurred.

Prosecution representative Leeanne Pearce noted that while "the Crown would say that this is suitable for summary trial," the defendant chose to have his case heard before a jury.

Masood spoke only to confirm his personal details and did not enter a plea.

He was granted conditional bail until his next appearance at Newcastle Crown Court on February 17.

Under the terms of his release, Masood is prohibited from contacting witnesses, entering a specific street in North Tyneside, or being "alone in a vehicle with a woman."

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