Norwich taxi driver denies sexual assaulting three women

Alexandru Tapurin, 35, faces five separate charges including an allegation involving the false imprisonment of one of the women. 

The offences are said to have occurred at a number of locations across Norwich between January 19 and 21. 

Tapurin, who was a driver-partner with ABC Taxis, appeared before Norwich Crown Court via video link from HMP Norwich.

READ MORE: Norwich man Alexandru Tapurin charged with sexual assault

Wearing a green sweatshirt and speaking through a Romanian interpreter he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and to enter not guilty pleas to all five charges. 

The court was told he is accused of two charges of sexual assault on one woman on January 21 by touching her sexually when she did not consent.  

He is also said to have held the woman against her will for the purpose of sexually assaulting her. 

He is also accused of sexually touching another woman without consent and forcing a third woman to engage in sexual activity, both on January 19. 

Alexandru Tapurin will stand trial in July at Norwich Crown Court (Image: PA)

Judge Andrew Shaw set a date for the trial, expected to last five days, to take place on July 15 but warned Tapurin it could be delayed due to the “unprecedented demand” on court time.

READ MORE: Sex assault charge driver worked for ABC Taxis in Norwich

Tapurin, of Tizzick Close in Norwich, who remains on remand, was told he needed to submit the basis of his defence by April 10. 

Following his arrest in January ABC Taxis said it had acted swiftly to end his involvement with the firm. 

"The self-employed driver-partner, who has the freedom to take bookings from multiple ride-booking platforms available in Norwich, was removed from the booking system and reported to the local authority,” it said.

The company is “actively cooperating with the ongoing police investigation", it added.