A TRAFFORD taxi driver raped a 42-year-old woman as he drove her home (Thursday).

Murtaza Mateen, aged 47, of Lime Crescent, Old Trafford was found guilty of rape today (Thursday) - following a four-day trial at Minshull Street Crown Court.

On Sunday 11 June 2006, the woman was walking home along Manchester Road in Partington at about 3.30am after a night out when she saw a taxi drive past her and stop a short distance away.

When she reached the taxi, Mateen asked her if she wanted a lift.

The woman felt safe she was getting into a genuine taxi and accepted the offer.

Mateen drove her a short distance before locking all the car doors. He then leant over and raped her.

The woman moved her hand towards the door handle, but Mateen noticed and the victim feared he would hurt her if she tried to escape.

The woman managed to get out of the vehicle and returned home where she called police.

As part of the investigation into the rape, police obtained CCTV footage from the area and traced the taxi and Mateen as the driver.

DNA evidence also linked Mateen to the rape.

Mateen was arrested on suspicion of rape on Thursday 14 June 2006 and was subsequently charged following interview.

Det Con Alison Barber from Trafford CID, who investigated the case, said: "Mateen has denied this offence from the beginning and would not even assist in police interviews despite having photographic and DNA evidence that linked him to the crime.

"Mateen used his job as a taxi driver to persuade the woman into his car before raping her.

"This has had a devastating effect on the woman's life and I can only hope that today's guilty verdict will bring some sort of comfort to her that the offender has been convicted and will remain behind bars."

Sentencing has been adjourned until Friday 26 January 2007.