A "dangerous and predatory" private cab driver who pulled over to rape a 41-year-old passenger and sexually assaulted two others has pleaded guilty.

Homayon Ahmadi, 23, of New Road, Uxbridge, pleaded guilty to rape and two counts of sexual assault at Croydon Crown Court on Wednesday, January 26.

On April 19, 2021, a 41-year-old woman called police to report that she had been picked up by a cab driver earlier that evening who pulled over and raped her.

While a police investigation was ongoing, a 21-year-old woman called police on July 25, reporting that she and a friend had been picked up by a cab in central London.

During the journey, the driver stopped off at an off licence and purchased whisky, offering the women the alcohol and inviting them back to his house.

The women felt threatened and attempted to get out of the car while on Hornsey Street, N7. As they did so, Ahmadi grabbed both women and sexually assaulted them before driving away from the scene.

CCTV enquiries and analysis of mobile phone data led officers to identify a suspect buying whisky in a shop he had stopped at during the journey.

A media appeal including an image from the CCTV was issued and in December 2021 Ahmadi was subsequently identified and arrested. Forensics linked him to the earlier rape.

In his police interview, Ahmadi denied all of the offences. A search of his car found a purple pencil case filled with condoms and baby oil in the glove compartment.

He will be sentenced at the same court on Thursday, 3 March.

Detective Constable Natalie Alchin, who led the investigation, said: “Ahmadi is a dangerous and predatory offender who used his position as a private hire driver to target vulnerable women as they made their way home.

“The victims in this case showed great courage in coming forward to police. They have 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 you can contact Crimestoppers completely anonymously on 0800 555 111.”