Saleh Mahmud, 30, of Canterbury Street in Ashton-under-Lyne, has been jailed for more than a decade after being convicted of two counts of rape at Manchester Crown Court today (November 4). He had previously pleaded guilty to robbery, common assault, two counts of fraud, intentional strangulation and possession of criminal property.
Greater Manchester Police said Mahmud met both his victims on nights out before assaulting them and stealing from them. A police constable praised the two survivors for their courage in coming forward and reporting the offences after DNA evidence provided by the first man led officers to Mahmud's front door.
First attack in Failsworth woodland
The first incident took place on December 23 2025 when the first survivor met Mahmud on a night out in Manchester city centre, the force said. The following day, having travelled to Oldham together, Mahmud led the man to a wooded area in Failsworth where he raped him, despite the survivor 'making it clear he did not want to have sex'.
After the attack, Mahmud threatened to kill the survivor, stealing his mobile phone and bank cards before leaving. The survivor then reported the offence to police, with the forensic samples he provided resulting in a DNA match identifying Mahmud.
Giving a victim impact statement at his sentencing hearing, the first survivor said the attack had 'left him living with anxiety, fear and a loss of confidence'.
Arrest and linked robbery
Mahmud was arrested at his home address on December 29 that year, with a search of the property uncovering five mobile phones, snap bags containing white powder, more than £3,300 in cash and three driving licences belonging to other people. The discovery of these items linked Mahmud to a separate robbery reported days earlier, the force said.
In that incident, another man had reported meeting Mahmud on a night out before returning together to his home. Mahmud stole his mobile phone and wallet, assaulted him and fled the address. The second survivor said the incident had 'significantly affected' his trust in other people and left him feeling unsafe in his own home.
He added that the visible scar from the attack serves as 'a daily reminder' of what happened but hoped that the sentence would bring some closure.
Police commendation
Detective Constable Nicola Lock, of GMP's Oldham district, said: "I want to commend the survivor for the remarkable courage he has shown in coming forward and supporting this investigation.
"Reporting an offence of this nature is incredibly difficult, and it is through his bravery that a dangerous offender is now behind bars.
"I would also like to thank the other victim affected by Mahmud's offending for coming forward. The evidence provided by both men allowed us to build a clear picture of who Saleh Mahmud really is – a dangerous and predatory offender.
"Those who choose to manipulate, exploit and harm people in such devastating ways will be relentlessly pursued. Our message is clear: we will find you and we will bring you before the courts.
"I hope today's sentence provides the survivor with some measure of justice as he continues to rebuild his life. His courage has helped protect others from harm, and we will continue to stand alongside him, and every survivor, in bringing offenders like Mahmud to justice."
