A Reigate taxi driver has been jailed for carrying out two sex attacks on women who flagged down his cab in the town.

Mohammed Iqbal, from North Road, pleaded guilty to the two counts of sexual assault when he appeared at Guildford Crown Court.

He also pleaded guilty to one count of kidnap.

He was sentenced to five and a half years in prison.

The court heard the charges related to two separate sexual assaults which took place three years apart. The first took place on Sunday, March 22, 2009, when a 25-year-old woman caught a taxi home from Reigate and was sexually assaulted. The second happened during the early hours of Sunday, March 25, this year after a 19-year-old woman flagged down a taxi to take her home after enjoying a night out in Reigate with friends.

She was sexually assaulted in a wooded area near to Park Lane. Detectives were able to link the two attacks and subsequently identify 34-year-old Iqbal as the offender through forensic analysis. Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Errol Chetty of Reigate CID, said Iqbal had at first pleaded not guilty and so forced his victims to endure having to go to court.

Det Sgt Chetty said: "The initial not guilty plea which Iqbal entered forced his victims to attend court and give evidence against him, and I am full of praise for the courage and dignity they showed throughout the process.” He said: "I hope this successful conviction and sentence sends a clear message that we will always conduct a full and thorough investigation into allegations of sexual assault, and encourage other victims of such crime to come forward.”

Anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault or abuse is urged to contact Surrey Police on 101 with information. Alternatively, help and advice can be found on the Surrey Police website at: www.surrey.police.uk.