Locations
Sturton Road, Sheffield, S4
Description
A man who raped a woman after pretending to be a taxi driver has been jailed.
The woman had been out with a friend in Sheffield in spring 2025 but decided to go home, leaving her friend out.
As she walked out of the club, she got into what she thought was a taxi, with the driver Shabir Sultani telling her he was a taxi driver and would take her home.
During the journey Sultani offered her vodka which she refused before taking her back to her home address.
When they arrived at her home in Chesterfield, he then followed her to her front door, forcing his way into the property.
Despite her telling him repeatedly she wanted him to leave Sultani continued to kiss the woman before raping her.
The woman managed to get him off her by kicking him.
Sultani was identified using CCTV footage and automatic number plate recognition of his car.
He was arrested and subsequently charged with rape and sexual assault.
The 27-year-old of Sturton Road, Sheffield, denied the charges but was found guilty after a trial at Derby Crown Court in November.
He appeared at the same court for sentence on 3 February where he was jailed for 13 years with an extension of seven years for dangerousness.
He has also been handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, given a restraining order preventing him from having any contact with the woman, and was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register.
Detective Staff Investigator Beth Waite, who led the investigation, said:
“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.
“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.
“I hope that knowing he is now behind bars will allow her some form of peace.
“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.”