A RAPIST who targeted a young woman after a night out in Shawlands has been caged for six years.

Sick Mohammed Maqsood from Pollokshaws attacked his victim when she got into his car because she believed it was a private hire taxi.

He was sentenced to six years in prison at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday for the rape which took place on December 5, last year.

His victim, 18, from Thornliebank, had been on a night out in Shawlands when she got into what she was believed was a private hire taxi being driven by Maqsood.

The rape took place near to Eastwood Crescent, Thornliebank.

Maqsood, who will also be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely, was arrested on December 14, last year, following an investigation led by specialist officers from Greater Glasgow Division’s Public Protection Unit.

Detective Inspector Graeme McLachlan said: "We welcome the conviction of Mohammed Maqsood and acknowledge the sentence handed out today. Maqsood targeted this young woman who had simply been enjoying a night out with her friends.

"Despite her appalling ordeal, she had the courage to speak out about what happened to her and I would like to thank her for her bravery in reporting this to police and having the courage to provide her evidence in court.

"We are resolutely committed to supporting victims of sexual crimes and investigating those responsible by bringing them to justice.

"All reports of sexual crime are treated with the utmost seriousness and it’s never too late to come forward."