Uber driver who raped teen gives up fight for suppression

A convicted Uber driver, who was found guilty of raping a teenage passenger, has decided to no longer oppose the publication of his photo by the media.

Satwinder Singh was sentenced to seven years and two months in prison in December of last year for picking up a teenager from a Hamilton pub, turning off his GPS, and assaulting her.

Having a distorted view of New Zealand women, Singh was convicted of three charges of indecent assault and one charge of rape by Judge Tini Clark in the Hamilton District Court following the incident in February 2023.

Initially, Singh’s defense counsel, Nadine Baier, did not oppose name suppression but did resist NZME’s request to publish his photo citing a family member’s mental health issues.

Judge Clark granted permission for his photo to be taken by the media but withheld publication until a later ruling.

Today, Judge Clark announced that Singh had agreed to the publication of his photograph.

‘Put her seat in the recline position’

On February 11, 2023, the victim booked an Uber from the Speight’s Ale House to a Hamilton East house to meet friends.

After some initial confusion about the pick-up location, Singh drove her to Peachgrove Rd. instead of the intended destination.

Judge Clark noted that Singh’s sexual interest in the victim was aroused when he commented on her attire and proceeded to touch and assault her despite her protests.

Following the assault, Singh locked the car doors, reclined the victim’s seat, and proceeded to rape her, leaving her distressed at her friend’s house, where she promptly contacted the authorities.

Judge Clark dismissed Singh’s defense claims of consensual activity and rejected his version of events.

‘She has an overwhelming rage inside of her’

The victim described the assault as a life-changing event that has left her feeling unsafe and exposed.

Living with her parents, she now struggles to leave her home and feels threatened by the outside world.

The trial process exacerbated her anger and feelings of vulnerability, leading to an overwhelming sense of rage.

Judge Clark emphasized that Singh’s attempts to deny the charges only added to the pain he inflicted on the victim.

‘Prison would place an undue hardship on him’

During sentencing, Baier argued for a hardship discount based on Singh’s background as a Sikh Indian who had lived in New Zealand for only 11 years.

The judge dismissed this argument, pointing out that Singh’s occupation as an Uber driver in New Zealand contradicted claims of undue hardship in prison.

Baier’s plea for leniency based on Singh’s cultural background was not accepted by the judge.

‘There’s an expectation Uber drivers are vetted’

Judge Clark acknowledged Singh’s upbringing may have influenced his behavior towards women but stressed that the victim was entitled to a safe journey home.

Despite Singh’s distorted views, his actions were inexcusable, and the expectation remains that Uber drivers are vetted and provide a safe service.

 – Belinda Feek, Open Justice reporter