Muhammad Ans, 29, has been jailed for 20 years for raping three women he met on dating apps between 2023 and 2025. He was convicted of four counts of rape following a two-week trial at Plymouth Crown Court and will serve an additional three years on extended licence, as well as being placed on the sex offenders register for life.
Ans met his victims on Tinder, Bumble, and Baddoo. The court heard how he would arrange to meet them, often taking them back to his accommodation, where he raped them despite their clear objections.
Offers of money and apologies after attacks
After raping one victim, Ans offered to pay her $3,000 in compensation if she would "leave it". She refused and screenshot the messages as evidence. Another victim was offered shopping trips and meals after she confronted him. In messages, Ans apologised to his victims, saying he "couldn't stop himself" and that it was a "mistake".
One victim met Ans on Bumble in late 2023. After a meal, he took her to his accommodation in Coventry and raped her, then again in early 2024. When she messaged him in August 2024, he apologised and offered to take her shopping. She refused.
Another victim met Ans on Baddoo after he moved to Tavistock. He took her to his flat, where they drank alcohol. She made it clear she did not want sex, but Ans raped her. She challenged him via message, and he apologised, saying he "couldn't stop himself" and offered to take her shopping. She reported him to police.
Detective Constable Craig Ferguson was assigned as case officer. Ans was located in Leeds after fleeing Tavistock. He denied the offences during interview, claiming all sexual contact was consensual and that his admissions were "confusion on his part". His phone was seized, and he was bailed on conditions not to contact the victim.
In August 2025, a third victim was identified. She told police she met Ans on Tinder, went for a drink, and then he raped her at her address. Ans was arrested and charged. Examination of his phone revealed messages with the first victim, who then came forward. All three cases were joined.
Victims' impact statements
The first victim said: "I'm finding it hard to describe the initial impact of Ans' rape. After the violent event occurred, it felt like I had to burn everything that made up the woman I was, so that then it would have happened to her rather than me." She added: "Ans clearly saw the pain he had inflicted on me and then went on to hurt others in the same way. I truly believe that he is a dangerous and predatory man."
The second victim said: "When I think about what Ans did to me; him raping me started a chain of events that have led to some of the darkest and most difficult times that I have faced in my life." She added: "I had told him 'NO', and I had pushed his hands away and pulled my leggings back up. My words meant nothing to him... I now recognise that he had already decided what was going to happen to me, regardless of whether I consented to it or not."
The third victim said: "In terms of the physical impact, it took me many weeks before I was able to sleep properly again. Even now, I continue to experience nightmares and flashbacks relating to what happened." She added: "I see Ans as directly responsible for my current symptoms and state of mind. I feel that he is a risk to women."
Sentencing and police comments
Sentencing, Judge Matthew Turner KC said each victim was in "a vulnerable position" and that Ans preyed upon their trust to satisfy his own sexual desires. He described Ans's lack of recognition of his criminality as "deeply troubling" and noted a "complete disconnect between how he viewed his actions and the single-minded pursuit of your own sexual gratification."
DC Ferguson said evidence clearly showed Ans made the same types of comments and offers to each victim after raping them, including apologies and offers of money or shopping. He added: "Ans is a sexual predator who targeted these women on dating sites with the sole purpose of meeting up with them for sex. His motivation was clear." Ferguson praised the victims for their "tremendous courage and strength" and said Devon and Cornwall Police remain committed to supporting victims of sexual offences.
