A sexual predator who raped a woman after pretending to be a taxi driver and agreeing to take her home has been locked up. Shabir Sultani, 27, of Sturton Road, Sheffield, was behind the wheel when the woman mistook his car for a taxi after leaving a club in the city.

She refused his offers of vodka as he drove to her home in Chesterfield where he followed her to the front door and forced his way in. He started kissing her and despite her pleas for him to leave, he raped her.

When the woman started kicking him, Sultani fled. Police tracked him down after scouring CCTV and tracing his car using automatic number plate recognition.

Det Staff Investigator Beth Waite from Derbyshire Police said in a statement: "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."

When Derbyshire Police charged him with rape and sexual assault Sultani denied it.

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The force reported on Friday (March 6) that he was sentenced to 13 years extended by seven years for "dangerousness" at Derby Crown Court on February 3.

Sultani was also handed a sexual harm prevention order, a restraining order to prevent him contacting the woman, and placed on the Sex Offenders' Register.

Ms Waite said Sultani's offending will undoubtedly have a long-lasting impact on the woman, but her courage ensured officers were able to bring him to justice.

She added: "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."

Rape Crisis England and Wales operates a 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line which is open 24 hours a day. Call free on 0808 500 222 or visit its website to find out how to start a free online chat.