A RAPIST who posed as a mini cab driver was convicted at Blackfriars Crown Court yesterday.

Police are urging people to use only cabs that are licensed after a 31-year-old woman who thought she was safely taking a cab home, woke up to find the driver Ali Moaberfard raping her at an address in Uxbridge.

Moaberford, 38, of Madingley Court, East Barnet, was linked to the crime through DNA and following a re-trial was yesterday found guilty. He will be sentenced on October 2.

The incident happened in May 2012 as the victim tried to get home from a party in Notting Hill.

Police said after raping her, Moaberford dropped her at Uxbridge Underground Station, from where she made her way to hospital.

His conviction follows an investigation by specialist detectives from the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command.

Detective Constable Vicky Stenning said: "Moaberfard targeted a vulnerable woman who thought he was taking her home. I would like to praise her bravery in coming forward and speaking with police.

"I would urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault to speak with us so that we can bring perpetrators before the courts."

A spokesman for Metropolitan Police said: "We would always recommend that anyone wishing to travel by cab should ensure they use a licensed firm.

"All minicabs must be licensed by Transport for London and must be booked in advance.

"Any minicab that isn't booked by phone, email, an app or in a licensed minicab office is illegal and unsafe."