‘Arrogant’ rapist jailed after attacking men he met on Grindr
An ‘arrogant, narcissistic and self-obsessed’ man who raped two men has been jailed.
Mohammed Altaher, 38, met both of his victims through the dating app Grindr and went on to rape them in separate attacks in August and September 2019.
His victims bravely came forward and reported him to police independently of each other – and have shared the impact his actions have had on their lives.
The first victim met Altaher at his home in Bedford with the intention of having sex, however after Altaher became aggressive and scared the victim he withdrew consent – which was ignored.
He suffered multiple injuries during the violent rape, and disclosed what happened to a sexual assault referral centre the next day.
Altaher’s second victim had also been at his home address and was encouraged to take the drug MCAT.
They had consensual sex, but when the victim started to feel unwell afterwards Altaher continued the sexual activity, violently sexually assaulting his victim before raping him.
His second victim reported the incident to the police a few months later.
A victim impact statement from Altaher’s first victim said: ‘The effect of what happened to me is significant and has impacted on my mental health and wellbeing.
‘Simple things like going to the local shop causes me increased anxiety as I struggle being around people, and I feel intimidated and on guard.
‘This was never an issue for me before this awful thing happened to me.
‘I am not the person I used to be, this assault has had a profound impact on my life and those around me.
‘I did not deserve this and am seeking closure to begin the process of rebuilding my life.’
Altaher, of Cardington Road in Bedford was convicted of two counts of rape and one of sexual assault by penetration. He was sentenced on Friday at St Albans crown court to 10 years in prison.
During sentencing Recorder Johnson slammed Altaher’s arrogance, saying: ‘Your approach to both of those encounters was to treat both of your victims as objects with whom you could do what you wished, when you wished, as you wished.
‘You are an intelligent man: as you were very keen for the jury to know, you have a doctorate.
‘You are also, however, an arrogant man – or to use the language of the probation officer, from which I do not dissent, “quite a narcissistic individual and very self-obsessed”.
‘Your arrogance is the backdrop to this offending.
‘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.’
Detective Constable Kevin Cheese from Bedfordshire Police said: ‘Altaher carried out these violent rapes and showed no care or compassion for his victims.
‘His actions were purely for his own sexual gratification and he betrayed their level of trust.
‘Regardless of how and where you meet someone, consent for sexual activity can be withdrawn at any time. No will always mean no.
‘We are aware that there is under reporting around male victims of sexual violence, but this case demonstrates that we will listen and support you.
‘I want to commend the bravery of both survivors in this case for coming forward and helping us to remove a dangerous predator like Altaher off the streets.’
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