A West London private hire driver has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after pleading guilty to raping a woman in Croydon. 

Homayon Ahmadi, 23, of New Road, Uxbridge appeared at Croydon Crown Court on Wednesday 26th January where he was convicted of one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault, before being sentenced to 13 years on Thursday 16th March. 

Police received a call from a 41-year-old woman on 19th April 2021 saying that she had been picked up by a cab earlier in the evening and the driver had pulled over and raped her. 

Detectives launched an investigation and during it a 21-year-old woman called police on 25th July 2021 and said that she and a friend had been picked up by a cab in Central London, the driver stopped to buy whiskey during the journey, offered it to the women and then asked them to come back to his house. 

The women felt threatened and attempted to get out of the car on Hornsey Street, S7, as they did this the driver grabbed both and sexually assaulted them. 

CCTV enquiries were made and analysis of phone data and a media appeal to the public with the CCTV image in December 2021 and Ahmadi was identified and arrested. 

Forensics then linked Ahmadi to the original rape, he denied all charges in his police interview and a search of his car found a purple pencil case filled with condoms and baby oil in the glove compartment. 

Detective Constable Natalie Alchin, who led the investigation, said: "Ahmadi is a predatory offender and we are pleased he is behind bars and unable to cause further harm. 

"The victims in the case played a vital part in his conviction and we hope that this case encourages other women who have been subject to sexual offences to come forward. 

"There may be other victims of Ahmadi who until now have not spoken to police. If you believe this is you, please contact us on 101. We have specialist officers who will support you. 

"Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."