Taxi driver who kept condoms and lube in glove compartment jailed for raping passenger

A “robbery” mini-cab driver who kept a pencil case with condoms and lube in his glove compartment has been jailed for raping a passenger.

Homayon Ahmadi, 33, attacked the 40-year-old woman in Croydon after picking her up from a hospital on the evening of April 19, 2021.

Three months later, on July 25, a 21-year-old woman called police and said she and a friend had been harassed after they were picked up at a central London nightclub.

Ahmadi, from Uxbridge, west London, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison with an additional seven years after admitting rape and two counts of sexual assault at Croydon Crown Court.

In a statement, his first victim said she suffered from constant flashbacks and “crippling anxiety,” reports My London.

She added, “The rape has had a major impact on my life and I am constantly scared and unable to focus on my studies.”

Detective Constable Natalie Alchin, who led the inquiry, said: “Ahmadi is a predatory criminal and we are delighted that he is behind bars and unable to do further harm.

“The victims in this case played a crucial role in his conviction and we hope this case will encourage other women victims of sex crimes to come forward.”

The first victim called 999 on April 19 to report that she had been raped by a mini-cab driver who picked her up after she was discharged from the hospital.

She was still wearing her hospital slippers and was in a vulnerable condition, the court heard.

Alisdair Smith, prosecutor, said: “She approached this defendant in a car and he was, according to prosecutors, officially acting as a taxi, or at least pretending to be one, and on that basis she went with him.

“She soon realized she had no way of paying and said her partner back home would pay on her arrival. The defendants’ demand was that she have sex with him.’

He told jurors Ahmadi then drove into a garage in Croydon and raped her.

Detectives immediately launched an investigation and began extensive investigations to try to identify the driver and vehicle.

While this investigation was ongoing, the 21-year-old victim called police to report her assault.

Shortly after booking her taxi home, her phone went dead and the students asked the drivers who were parked in front of the nightclub if they were there to pick them up.

As they approached Ahmadi’s window, he lied that he was their driver and drove them away.

They noticed within minutes that he was going the wrong way to their address and became concerned when he stopped to buy whiskey, offered them a sip and suggested they return to his address.

Ahmadi then stopped again, this time to ask one of the women to sit in the front next to him.

They both then got out and Ahmadi sexually assaulted them as they tried to leave.

Police searched CCTV at the store where the driver stopped and used cellphone data to locate a suspect.

Ahmadi was later arrested after being identified from a still from the footage in a media appeal.

In his police interview, Ahmadi denied any offences.

A purple pencil case containing condoms and baby oil was found in the glove compartment during a search of his car.

DC Alchin said: “There may be other victims of Ahmadi who have not yet spoken to the police. If you believe you are, please contact us on 101. We have specialized officers who will assist you.’

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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