
A "predator" who posed as a taxi driver to kidnap and rape a woman in her own home has been sentenced to 13 years behind bars.
Shabir Sultani, 27, targeted his victim after a night out in Sheffield city centre in early 2025. After the woman left a club to head home alone, Sultani lied to her, claiming he was a licensed driver who would get her home safely.
During the trip to Chesterfield, Sultani offered the woman vodka, which she refused. Upon reaching her house, he forced his way inside.
Despite the woman repeatedly demanding he leave, Sultani kissed and raped her. She eventually managed to fight him off by kicking him.
Police used CCTV and number plate recognition to track Sultani down.
Although he denied the charges, a jury at Derby Crown Court found him guilty of rape and sexual assault. Due to his "dangerousness," a judge added a seven-year extension to his sentence, meaning he will remain under strict supervision long after his release.
Detective Staff Investigator Beth Waite praised the survivor's courage, stating: “Sultani clearly preyed on this woman on this occasion, pretending to be a taxi driver and offering to take her home.”
She noted that despite the victim's clear refusals, Sultani “continued to force himself upon her, ultimately raping her.”
The investigator added: “I hope that knowing he is now behind bars will allow her some form of peace.”

Katie Lam, the MP for Weald of Kent, has formally asked Ashford Borough Council to rethink its decision to stop pub landlord Paul Hartfield, from driving his customers home.

Cabbi’s Women in Taxi event, sponsored by Veezu, took place in Bristol on 6 March, bringing together female leaders, operators, industry partners and entrepreneurs from across the UK taxi sector.

Qamar Farooq faced a city council licensing committee following allegations that he refused to use his meter and instead attempted to charge passengers a fixed price.

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Hundreds of Derby private hire drivers are waiting on a high-stakes council decision next week that could determine the future of the local trade.

Founded by 26-year-old Martyna Kalarikkal, "Monroe" currently operates with eight female drivers under licenses from Middlesbrough and Stockton Councils.

Official documents set to be discussed at a licensing meeting on Thursday 5 March, reveal deep concerns that increasing licence fees for a second year in a row could cripple the industry further.

The incident, which took place on February 23 along the popular seafront promenade, left a 65-year-old Irish tourist with serious head and facial injuries.

James Hutton appeared before city councillors on 3 March following a series of complaints, including allegations of "aggressive or threatening behaviour" and failing to display his official badge.

When they reached the destination and he asked for the fare, the thug sitting in the back seat hit the poor driver on his head with a glass bottle and ran off without paying.

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An Uber driver, 33-year-old army veteran Tim Letts, donated one of his kidneys to his 71-year-old passenger, Bill Sumiel.

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The updated charges are scheduled to take effect following a 24-day consultation period, during which the public and trade members can submit objections.

The initiative, which launched in 2021 to manage the post-pandemic surge in nightlife, will officially end following its final weekend of operation on March 27 and 28.

The incident occurred on Marton Road at approximately 7:30 pm on Sunday, March 1, when a group of children began throwing objects at passing traffic.

Syed Nafees Ul Hassan pleaded guilty at Bradford Magistrates’ Court to failing to accept the booking, which took place at Bradford Royal Infirmary last October.

Detectives are investigating the matter as a case of racially aggravated public order which took place on Whitegate Drive at approximately 9:20pm on 16 January.

Local officials are reviewing fees for hackney carriages and private hire vehicles, noting that the borough’s current rates are among the lowest in Wales compared to neighbouring authorities.

Rehan Farooq, 37, was caught following a police raid on his home in April, where officers found a hoard of indecent images and disturbing chat logs.
