Predatory Driver Posed as Cabbie to Lure Victim Before Brutal Attack
A man who pretended to be a taxi driver to prey on a vulnerable woman has been jailed for 13 years after forcing his way into her home and raping her in a sickening attack. Shabir Sultani, 27, of Sturton Road in Sheffield, was sentenced at Derby Crown Court following a trial where he denied the charges but was found guilty by a jury in November.
Night Out Turns to Nightmare in Sheffield and Chesterfield
The victim had been enjoying an evening with friends in Sheffield during spring last year when she decided to return home. Outside a nightclub, she entered a car driven by Sultani, believing it to be a legitimate taxi. Sultani falsely claimed to be a cab driver and offered to take her home to Chesterfield, Derbyshire.
During the journey, Sultani offered the woman vodka, which she refused. Upon reaching her residence in Chesterfield, he followed her to the front door and forcibly entered her home. Despite her repeated demands for him to stop, Sultani continued to kiss her and ultimately raped her. The victim managed to fight him off, after which he fled the scene.
Technology and Investigation Bring Perpetrator to Justice
Sultani was later tracked down and arrested thanks to crucial evidence from CCTV footage and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology, which identified his vehicle. The investigation was led by Detective Staff Investigator Beth Waite, who praised the victim's bravery in coming forward to report the horrific incident.
Waite stated: 'Sultani clearly preyed on this woman on this occasion, pretending to be a taxi driver and offering to take her home. Despite her repeatedly saying she wasn't interested and asking him to leave her alone, he continued to force himself upon her, ultimately raping her.'
She added: 'I'd like to commend her bravery in coming forward and reporting this incident, and her support for the police investigation and subsequent prosecution. This incident will undoubtedly have a long-lasting impact on her, but her courage has ensured that we were able to bring the perpetrator to justice.'
Extended Sentence and Ongoing Campaign Against Violence
Sultani's 13-year sentence included a seven-year extension due to dangerousness. He was also handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order designed to prevent contact with the victim and was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register indefinitely.
This case highlights the ongoing epidemic of violence against women, a issue addressed by campaigns such as This Is Not Right, launched by Metro in November 2024 in partnership with Women's Aid. The campaign aims to shed light on the scale of this national emergency and encourage victims to come forward.
Detective Waite urged other victims to report incidents: 'I'd encourage anyone who has been a victim of rape or a sexual assault of any kind to please come forward and report it to us. We will listen without judgement and support you throughout.'
