Rapist who preyed on vulnerable woman is given 24-year jail term
A “DANGEROUS” man who raped a vulnerable woman in Sheffield after offering to drive her home was jailed yesterday for 24 years.
Ferdos Rabani, who is also known as Joshua Abdul, was sentenced at the city’s crown court after being found guilty of one count of rape following a short trial in November 2016.
Temporary Detective Inspector Richard Wallis, of South Yorkshire Police’s Safeguarding Adults Team, welcomed the lengthy sentence handed down by the court.
He said: “Today, an incredibly dangerous man has been removed from the streets of Sheffield as a result of the bravery and resilience shown by the victim, coupled with the determination of the investigating officers.”
The court had heard how 48-year-old Rabani, formerly of Sheffield, had approached the victim in the city centre in April 2016 and offered her a lift home.
Once inside the car, Rabani offered the 34-year-old woman cigarettes, believed to have been drugged, to make her drowsy.
Rabani then drove the woman to a remote area outside of the city and raped her.
PC Jess Hawley, the investigating officer, said: “Rabani could clearly see that the victim was vulnerable. He preyed on her and took advantage of her, leaving her incredibly traumatised by what happened.
“Several weeks after the incident, the brave woman came forward to report what had happened and I’d like to commend her for the strength and courage she has shown throughout the entire process.”
Temporary Det Insp Richard Wallis added: “I hope this case serves as another example of our dedication and commitment to protecting vulnerable people and our relentless efforts to achieve justice for victims of sexual violence and abuse.”
He said he hoped the conviction would help Rabani’s victim to continue moving forward with her life as well as give reassurance to all victims that reports of sexual violence would be taken extremely seriously and investigated thoroughly by the force.