Fake taxi driver who raped passenger after Sheffield night out jailed for 13 years
- Perry Richardson
- 5 minutes ago
- 2 min read
A man who posed as a taxi driver to target a woman leaving a Sheffield nightclub has been jailed for 13 years after raping her at her home in Derbyshire.
Shabir Sultani, 27, pretended to be a taxi driver when the victim left a club in Sheffield during spring 2025. The woman had been out with a friend but decided to head home earlier and entered Sultani’s vehicle believing it to be a legitimate taxi.
During the journey, Sultani offered the woman vodka, which she refused, before driving her to her home address in Chesterfield. When they arrived, he followed her to the front door and forced his way inside the property.
Despite the woman repeatedly telling him to leave, Sultani continued to kiss her before raping her. The victim managed to fight him off by kicking him, allowing her to escape the attack.
Man posed as a taxi driver outside a Sheffield venue before forcing his way into a woman’s home and attacking her
Officers from Derbyshire Constabulary identified Sultani through CCTV footage and automatic number plate recognition linked to the vehicle used during the offence. He was subsequently arrested and charged with rape and sexual assault.
Sultani, of Sturton Road in Sheffield, denied the charges but was found guilty following a trial at Derby Crown Court in November 2025.
At a sentencing hearing at the same court on 3 February 2026, Sultani was jailed for 13 years with a further seven-year extended licence period after being deemed dangerous.
The court also imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim. Sultani was additionally placed on 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.”
