A sexual predator who lured a man to a secluded wood before raping and threatening to kill him has been jailed. Saleh Mahmud, 30, from Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, was on a night out in Manchester city centre when he met the man on December 23 last year. On Christmas Eve, the pair travelled to Oldham and Mahmud lured the man to the wood in Failsworth.
The man told him he didn't want to have sex but Mahmud ignored him, carrying out his vicious rape. Mahmud threatened to kill the man then stole his bank cards and mobile phone. The brave rape survivor went to the police who took DNA samples linking the crime to Mahmud, according to Greater Manchester Police.
Arrest and additional offences
Mahmud was arrested five days after the rape and a search of his home uncovered five mobile phones, bags of white powder, £3,000 and three driving licences belonging to others. The haul linked Mahmud to a robbery reported days earlier which saw the thug meet another man on a night out and go back to his home. Mahmud stole his phone and wallet, assaulted him and fled.
In a victim impact statement, the man raped by Mahmud said the attack left him with anxiety, in fear and lacking confidence. The second man said his brush with Mahmud left him feeling unsafe in his own home and a visible scar from the attack is a daily reminder of the assault.
Police commendation and sentence
Det Cons Nicola Lock from Greater Manchester Police 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."
She added: "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."
Mahmud was sentenced on Wednesday (November 4) to 12 years in prison at Manchester Crown Court after being found guilty of two counts of rape and pleading guilty to robbery, common assault, two counts of fraud, intentional strangulation and possession of criminal property. Det Cons Lock said: "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."
