A smirking migrant who raped two men he met on Grindr has been convicted of rape for a third time. Mohammed Altaher, 41, an Iraqi national, saw his crimes featured in an episode of 24 Hours in Police Custody titled 'The Predator'. During his appearance on the hit Channel 4 show, Altaher shamelessly tried to claim that he had been a victim during the investigation, alleging detectives subjected him to 'degrading treatment' because he was gay.
Following the broadcast of the episode, a third victim came forward to report that Altaher had also raped them in 2019. On April 8, after a trial at Aylesbury Crown Court, he was found guilty of raping his third victim. He was jailed for five years with an extended licence of seven years, to run concurrently with his existing 10-year prison sentence for his two previous convictions.
Judge's Condemnation
A judge at his first trial at St Albans Crown Court in 2023 called him an 'arrogant, narcissistic and self-obsessed' individual. They added: '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.'
The court at the time heard how Altaher persisted in his assaults even after consent was revoked, committing rape in an 'aggressive manner'. The serial rapist carried out these two attacks in August and September 2019.
Details of the First Attacks
His first victim had been given the drug MCAT, an illegal stimulant, before being subjected to sexual aggression. At one stage, Altaher called another man to the house to indulge in sexual activity before he left. After that, the victim was penetrated on at least 10 occasions by a shower hose before being raped. He suffered multiple injuries and revealed he had been attacked at a sexual assault referral centre in Brighton. In a victim statement, the man said he couldn't at first see himself as a rape victim. He said he did not engage at work and became 'like a Zombie.'
The second victim was grabbed, kissed, and pushed onto a bed by Altaher as soon as he arrived at his home. He got onto the victim and raped him.
Police Praise for Victims
Following the latest trial at Aylesbury Crown Court, PC Heather Hutchinson, who worked on both investigations, said: 'Altaher showed no care or compassion for his victims, and I hope the conviction and sentence provide some sense of closure for those affected.'
'I want to commend the immense bravery of the original victims who spoke out about their experiences, as well as the courage shown by the victim who came forward after the programme aired. That courage led directly to further evidence being secured and a dangerous offender being held to account.'
'Not only does 24 Hours in Police Custody play a vital role in educating the public on issues such as consent, but it also helps to build public trust and gives victims the confidence to come forward. Viewers can see investigations handled with care, professionalism and persistence, and for those watching who may be carrying their own trauma in silence, it can be the catalyst that gives them the strength to speak out and seek help.'
