A MINI-CAB driver convicted of indecently assaulted a young Dartford woman claimed they had only exchanged telephone numbers.

A court heard Paul George, aged 40, of Burrage Road, Plumstead, fondled the woman's breasts and touched her thigh.

The woman, who could not be named for legal reasons, told Croydon Crown Court: “I couldn't move because he had his arm around my neck.

“I just froze. I was frightened to try to leave because I thought he would be violent.

“He was trying to kiss me but I kept pushing him away.

“He asked about me and where I was going and he asked if I had a boyfriend. He said he loved me and he wanted to make me his girlfriend.”

She had been on her way home from visiting friends in Plumstead on April 29 when she called a taxi to take her to Welling High Street.

As she walked away her mobile phone rang and she later heard a voice-mail message say “I thought you would have answered by now”.

George denied anything improper had happened and said they swapped numbers so she could call him if she needed a cab in future.

He was found guilty of indecent assault and has been remanded on bail for three weeks for sentencing.