Mohammad Hassan, 23, a student officer with Greater Manchester Police, appeared at Stockport Magistrates' Court on Tuesday accused of rape and kidnap following an alleged incident on Saturday evening. The charges also include oral rape, strangulation, sexual assault, theft of a mobile phone and dangerous driving.
Allegations detailed in court
Prosecutor Ewan Cooper told the court that the alleged incident involved a woman in her 20s. He said: "He got out of the car, placed his hand on her neck and bundled her into the car. He then drove with her in the car, drove to an area of Manchester, where he sexually assaulted and raped her and drove off at speeds of 120mph."
Hassan, from Hale Lane, Failsworth, Greater Manchester, was off duty at the time, according to Greater Manchester Police. He was arrested after a police chase on the M62 which ended in West Yorkshire.
Arrest and charges
A 999 call was made shortly before 10.20pm in which a woman could be heard in distress in a vehicle in the Manchester area. Officers traced the suspect's personal vehicle, leading to his arrest on suspicion of rape, kidnap and dangerous driving.
Hassan, who has been suspended by the force, appeared in court wearing a grey sweatshirt and jogging bottoms, flanked by two security officers. He only spoke to confirm his name and date of birth. No pleas were entered and there was no application for bail at the hearing, which lasted just over five minutes.
Remanded in custody
District Judge James Hulse informed the defendant that the rape and kidnap allegations could only be dealt with at a crown court. As the other alleged offences are linked to those, Hassan was remanded into custody for a further hearing at Manchester Crown Court on September 15.
After charges were laid, Assistant Chief Constable Mark Dexter said: "GMP detectives and staff have been working on this investigation throughout the last 48 hours to ensure charges are brought in this case. The victim is our priority, and we are ensuring she continues to receive specialist support. Criminal proceedings must now take its course without interference. I understand and share the feeling among the public and our thousands of hard-working, decent staff who will have seen this news. Proceedings are under way and necessary action will be decisively taken within the regulations."
The force said a woman was safeguarded at the scene and continues to be supported by specialist officers and support services.
