September 9th 2023.
Mohammed Altaher, 38, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Friday after being convicted of two counts of rape and one of sexual assault by penetration. His victims had met him through the dating and hook-up app, Grindr, and bravely reported him to police independently of each other.
The first victim had intended to have consensual sex with Altaher at his home in Bedford, but after Altaher became aggressive and scared the victim, he withdrew his consent - which was ignored. He suffered multiple injuries during the violent rape, and reported it to a sexual assault referral centre the next day.
Altaher's second victim was encouraged to take the drug MCAT at his home and had consensual sex, but when the victim started to feel unwell, Altaher continued the sexual activity, violently sexually assaulting his victim before raping him. His second victim reported the incident to the police a few months later.
In the victim impact statement from Altaher's first victim, they said: "The effect of what happened to me is significant and has impacted on my mental health and wellbeing. Simple things like going to the local shop causes me increased anxiety as I struggle being around people, and I feel intimidated and on guard. I am not the person I used to be, this assault has had a profound impact on my life and those around me. I did not deserve this and am seeking closure to begin the process of rebuilding my life."
Recorder Johnson, during sentencing, slammed Altaher's arrogance, saying: "Your approach to both of those encounters was to treat both of your victims as objects with whom you could do what you wished, when you wished, as you wished. You are an intelligent man: as you were very keen for the jury to know, you have a doctorate. You are also, however, an arrogant man - or to use the language of the probation officer, from which I do not dissent, 'quite a narcissistic individual and very self-obsessed'. Your arrogance is the backdrop to this offending. What Dr Altaher wants, Dr Altaher gets, and if what you want is sexual intercourse, then the consent of whoever you want it with matters to you not at all."
Detective Constable Kevin Cheese from Bedfordshire Police said: "Altaher carried out these violent rapes and showed no care or compassion for his victims. His actions were purely for his own sexual gratification and he betrayed their level of trust. Regardless of how and where you meet someone, consent for sexual activity can be withdrawn at any time. No will always mean no. We are aware that there is under reporting around male victims of sexual violence, but this case demonstrates that we will listen and support you. I want to commend the bravery of both survivors in this case for coming forward and helping us to remove a dangerous predator like Altaher off the streets."
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