A MINICAB driver from Hillingdon Heath has pleaded guilty to raping a woman in Croydon.

Appearing at Croydon Crown Court on Wednesday (26), Homayon Ahmadi, 33, of New Road, also admitted two counts of sexual assault. He will be sentenced on March 3.

A 41-year-old woman called police last April to say she had been picked up by a cab earlier that evening. During the journey, the driver pulled over and raped her.

With the investigation ongoing, a 21-year-old woman told officers in July she and a friend had been picked up by a cab in central London.

Asked back to the driver’s house, they felt threatened and attempted to get out of the car.

As they did so, Ahmadi grabbed both women and sexually assaulted them before driving away.

CCTV footage and mobile phone data led detectives to Ahmadi, who was arrested in December. He initially denied the offences.

Det Con 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. They have played a vital part in his conviction.

“There may be other victims, 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.”