16-year sentence for man who raped vulnerable woman after picking her up in his taxihttps://www.gmp.police.uk/news/greater- ... -his-taxi/
A taxi-driver who picked up a vulnerable woman and raped her in her own home has today received a 16-year sentence.
Khalafalla Yagoub (19/01/1980), of Burnett Avenue, Salford, was found guilty of rape last month, with his sentencing coming today (13 July) at Manchester Crown Court.
The court heard how on the evening of 28 November 2025, a 19-year-old woman was out in Manchester with her friends.
After leaving a bar at 3am the following morning, Yagoub picked the woman up in her taxi – though the woman was intoxicated, in a vulnerable state, and had not booked the taxi.
After taking her back to her home, Yagoub raped the woman. He had claimed in police interview that he had helped the woman and that it was consensual – stating that it was a ‘gift’ for driving her home.
This turned out to be a sinister lie.
In the days after, his victim reported feeling unwell, and soon received a call from Yagoub, not knowing who he was. Yagoub told the woman about their encounter, with the woman realising that she had been raped while in a vulnerable and intoxicated state, and with no recollection of what had taken place. While she had some images in her mind, she had believed them to be a dream.
She then bravely reported the incident to the police.
Officers attempted to track Yagoub and could not locate him, but soon found that he was due to travel on flight to Istanbul on 3 December. He was arrested at the airport before he could board and subsequently taken into custody.
Yagoub’s victim bravely gave evidence as part of the trial– with Yagoub seen to be laughing while she read this out. This was later acknowledged by the judge in his sentencing remarks.
In total, Yagoub received an 11-year custodial sentence with a five year extended licence. He will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and restraining order.
Detective Constable Oliver Smith, from Greater Manchester Police, said: “Yagoub picked up a vulnerable woman and took advantage of her while she was in no fit state to consent. His actions were vile and I want to commend the woman for her bravery in coming forward – this work has been about ensuring justice for her.
“He spun a web of lies during his police interview, claiming various falsehoods about how he had helped her and that everything that happened was consensual. None of this was true.
“He is now behind bars where he belongs, and I hope that this result can bring some level of closure to his victim.”
Remember – if in doubt, report it.
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.
- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk
- Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.
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