Shabir Sultani

Bogus Taxi Driver Jailed for Rape

A man who posed as a taxi driver to target a woman leaving a night out in Sheffield has been jailed for rape.

Shabir Sultani, 27, convinced the victim he was a legitimate taxi driver before offering to take her home. During the journey, he attempted to give her alcohol before driving her to her address in Chesterfield.

After arriving at the property, Sultani forced his way inside despite the woman repeatedly telling him to leave. He then sexually assaulted and raped her before she managed to fight him off and force him out of the home.

Police identified Sultani through CCTV footage and automatic number plate recognition technology. Although he denied the allegations, he was convicted following a trial at Derby Crown Court.

Sultani was sentenced to 13 years in prison, with a further seven-year extended licence period due to the danger he poses to the public. He was also made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, placed on the Sex Offenders Register, and banned from contacting the victim.

Investigators praised the victim's courage in reporting the offence and supporting the prosecution, which led to Sultani being brought to justice.