Minicab driver Saleh Yassine was cleared of indecently assaulting a student.

An Oxford Crown Court jury took 40 minutes to acquit Mr Yassine, who exchanged relieved glances with family and friends as the verdict was read to the court.

A 19-year-old Oxford University student said she had been indecently assaulted after accepting a lift from a minicab driver as she walked along St Aldate's, Oxford, in the early hours of February 6 this year. The woman told the court she was reassured by the fact he was a licensed driver because she could see 001 plates on the side of the car.

But Mr Yassine, 21, of Southfield Park, Oxford, told the jury he had never had 001 plates on his vehicle, and had been told off about it by the company owner.

He denied being in St Aldate's at the time. He said he had just finished a job at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Headington and was waiting there for his next one.

He added: "I was very sorry for the girl and I wouldn't like something like that to happen to any relative of mine.

"I felt sorry for her but I have got a rule, you treat people how you would like to be treated. I wouldn't like that to happen to anyone so I would never do it."

A character reference was read to the court from Mr Yassine's former employer, a hairdresser, who described his conduct towards women as 'that of a thoughtful young gentle- man.'

Speaking after the case, Tony Green, of 001 Taxis, said Mr Yassine had been suspended following the allegations but he would now be happy to re-employ him.

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