A Geelong taxi driver has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for sexually assaulting a female passenger during a fare in February 2023.
Incident Details
Amit Kamboj, 39, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault in the Geelong Magistrates’ Court on Monday. The court heard that Kamboj picked up the woman from a Geelong nightclub in the early hours of February 11, 2023. During the journey, he reached over and touched the victim inappropriately over her clothing. The woman immediately reported the incident to police, leading to Kamboj’s arrest later that day.
Court Proceedings
Magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz described the offence as a “gross breach of trust” given Kamboj’s position as a taxi driver responsible for passenger safety. She noted that the victim had suffered significant emotional distress and anxiety since the assault. Kamboj was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment, with a non-parole period of 12 months. He will be eligible for parole in February 2025.
Victim Impact
In a victim impact statement read to the court, the woman said the assault had left her feeling unsafe and traumatised. She stated that she now avoids taking taxis alone and has experienced nightmares and panic attacks. “I trusted that as a taxi driver, he would get me home safely. Instead, he violated that trust,” she said.
Defence Arguments
Defence lawyer Sarah O’Brien argued for a community corrections order, citing Kamboj’s lack of prior criminal history and his remorse. She said Kamboj had lost his taxi license and employment as a result of the offence and had expressed genuine regret for his actions.
Magistrate’s Remarks
Magistrate Mykytowycz rejected the submission for a community-based sentence, emphasising the need for general deterrence. “Taxi drivers are in a position of significant trust, and the community must be protected from such predatory behaviour,” she said. She also ordered Kamboj to be placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years.
Broader Context
The case has sparked renewed calls for improved safety measures in the taxi industry, including mandatory CCTV cameras and driver background checks. Geelong Taxi Network declined to comment on the incident.
Kamboj will serve his sentence at a Victorian prison.
