A “predatory” private hire taxi driver who raped and sexually assaulted passengers has been jailed.

Homayon Ahmadi, of New Road in Uxbridge, was convicted of one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault at Croydon Crown Court on January 26.

An investigation first launched after a woman, 41, alerted police that a taxi driver pulled over in the car and raped her in Croydon on April 19, 2021.

Then on July 25 that year, a 21-year-old woman reported that she and a friend were sexually assaulted by a driver in Holloway after being picked up by a cab in central London.

During the journey, the driver stopped off at an off licence and bought whisky.

He then offered the woman a drink and asked that they go to his house.

Feeling threatened, the women tried to get out of the car in Hornsey Street but Ahmadi grabbed both women and sexually assaulted them before driving away from the scene.

Police tracked Ahmadi down after a media appeal in December 2021 showed CCTV footage of him buying whisky in the shop.

Islington Gazette: A CCTV image shared by Met Police in 2021A CCTV image shared by Met Police in 2021 (Image: Met Police)

He was then identified and linked to the earlier rape case.

A search of his car found a purple pencil case filled with condoms and baby oil in the glove compartment.

In a police interview, Ahmadi, 34, denied all of the offences.

On Thursday (March 16), Ahmadi was sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment with a further seven years on licence.

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.”

Police believe that there may be other victims who have not come forward. Anyone who believes they were a victim is asked to call police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.