Hossein Mohmoudi, a 35-year-old Iranian asylum seeker, has been found guilty of attempted rape at Snaresbrook Crown Court. The attack occurred in 2024 while Mohmoudi was living in an asylum hostel in London. He stalked a woman for an hour after her Christmas party, crossing the road when she did and boarding the same bus, before attempting to rape her in an alleyway. A cyclist intervened and called the police, leading to Mohmoudi's arrest two days later after detectives reviewed 30 hours of CCTV.
Defense Claim of 'Micropenis' and Obesity
During the trial, Mohmoudi denied the charge, claiming he could not have attacked the woman due to having a 'micropenis' and being obese, which he argued resulted in low libido. However, Dr George Fowlis, a consultant urologist, testified that Mohmoudi's penis was 'normal.' The defense also argued that the attack lasted only 27 seconds, too short for an attempted rape given his alleged medical issues. Prosecutor Christiaan Moll countered that Mohmoudi had chatted on a fetish website the day before the attack, which the defendant claimed was 'helpful for my English language.' Moll replied, 'There are other ways to improve your English...'
Victim's Ordeal and Brave Intervention
The victim, who had been followed for approximately three miles, described the assault in court, shouting during the incident: 'Wait! Wait! Wait! F*** you! Back off! F*** off! F***!' The attack was partially hidden from view by a gate. Detective Inspector Thomas Meaden, who led the Metropolitan Police investigation, praised the victim's strength and the member of the public who intervened. 'The victim has shown great strength throughout what has been an extremely hard experience. I hope this outcome provides some measure of justice. Mohmudi is a predator who poses danger to any women and girls he may cross. Had he not been interrupted by a brave member of the public, he intended to commit further harm.'
Previous Convictions and Asylum Journey
Mohmoudi left Iran in 2014 and entered Turkey, Greece, Germany, and France illegally before arriving in the UK. During his stay in Germany, he was convicted twice of assault and three times of criminal damage. He also had a prior report to police for stalking a woman walking her dog. The jury heard that Mohmoudi's criminal record in Germany included five convictions before he claimed asylum in Britain.
Sentencing and Aftermath
Mohmoudi will be sentenced at the same court on Wednesday, July 29. Detective Inspector Meaden added, 'I would like to thank the person who intervened and supported the victim ahead of officers arriving, and to commend all involved for their diligent work. Officers trawled 30 hours of CCTV to track Mohmudi, following him from the scene of the attack to his home address – resulting in his swift arrest two days later.'
