Three men from Hull have been sentenced to a combined 25 years in prison for raping a lone woman after tricking her into getting into what she believed to be a licensed taxi following a night out.
The sentencing took place at Hull Crown Court, where Bakhtullah Safi, 18, Habibullah Ahmadzai, 18, and Kehan Safi, 26, were convicted of the horrific attack that occurred on July 30, 2022.
The court heard that the victim had been out with friends and entered the vehicle on Ferensway, Hull city centre, thinking it was a registered taxi. Shortly after being picked up, she was subjected to a brutal attack by the three men.
Both Bakhtullah Safi and Ahmadzai were found guilty of rape as part of a joint enterprise, while Kehan Safi pleaded guilty to rape at an earlier hearing. Bakhtullah and Ahmadzai were sentenced to eight years each, and Kehan Safi was handed a nine-year sentence.
Humberside Police’s Protecting Vulnerable Persons and Major Crime Team launched a significant investigation. Officers reviewed CCTV footage around Hull city centre to trace the vehicle and identify the suspects. The footage captured the woman entering the vehicle, which was traced to Bakhtullah Safi, who was driving the car.
The investigation revealed that Bakhtullah Safi drove the woman towards Hull Royal Infirmary and later dropped her at an address in Hull. The men continued to deceive her throughout the journey, pretending they were a legitimate taxi service.
After the journey, Bakhtullah demanded a £20 fare, which the victim refused, managing to flee to safety. All three men were arrested in August 2022 and charged with rape. Following an eight-day trial, a jury returned guilty verdicts for Bakhtullah Safi and Habibullah Ahmadzai.
Detective Constable Ashley Webster, who was involved in the case, condemned the men as “violent sexual predators” who had subjected the woman to an “utterly horrific attack.” He praised the victim’s courage throughout the investigation and court proceedings, acknowledging that while the verdict would not erase the trauma, it would aid in her recovery.
Detective Inspector Jon Jeffs, who led the investigation, emphasised the police force’s commitment to fighting violence against women, stating, “We will never tolerate or condone any form of violence against women or girls in Humberside.” He highlighted the officers’ dedication in the case and reaffirmed the police’s commitment to pursuing perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
Both Detective Constable Webster and Detective Inspector Jeffs urged victims of rape or sexual assault to come forward, assuring them they would be listened to and supported, with help available through partnerships with various organisations and agencies.
The case has sparked renewed calls for vigilance and safety measures to protect vulnerable individuals from predatory behaviour in public spaces.
