16-YEAR SENTENCE FOR MAN WHO RAPED VULNERABLE WOMAN AFTER PICKING HER UP IN HIS TAXI
A taxi driver who took advantage of a vulnerable woman and assaulted her in her own home has been sentenced to 16 years in prison.Khalafalla Yagoub (born 19 January 1980), residing on Burnett Avenue in Salford, was convicted of rape last month.
His sentencing occurred on 13 July at Manchester Crown Court.
The court was informed that on the evening of 28 November 2025, a 19-year-old woman was socializing with friends in Manchester.
After leaving a bar at around 3 am the next morning, Yagoub gave her a ride in his taxi—despite the woman being intoxicated, vulnerable, and having not arranged the journey beforehand.
He took her home, where he committed the assault.
During police interviews, Yagoub claimed he had helped her and that the encounter had been consensual, describing it as a 'gift' for driving her home.
This claim was later revealed to be false.
Following these events, the woman reported feeling unwell.
She received a call from Yagoub—which she initially did not recognize—where he described their encounter.
She realized she had been raped while intoxicated and unable to recall specific details, Initially believing her memories were just a dream.
She courageously reported the incident to the police.
Police attempted to locate Yagoub but were initially unsuccessful.
They discovered he was booked to fly to Istanbul on 3 December, but he was arrested at the airport before boarding and taken into custody.
Yagoub’s victim testified during the trial, displaying remarkable bravery.
During her testimony, Yagoub was seen laughing, a detail acknowledged in the judge’s sentencing remarks.
Yagoub received a total prison sentence of 11 years, plus a five-year extended licence.
He is also subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order.
