A POLICE investigation into a man who violently raped two men he met on the dating app Grindr will feature on Channel 4’s 24 Hours in Police Custody.
Mohammed Altaher attacked the two men at his home in Bedford in August and September 2019.
Mohammed Altaher pictured was jailed after two victims came forward
Who is Mohammed Altaher?
In September 2023, Mohammed Altaher, of Cardington Road, Bedford, was jailed after he violently attacked two men he met through the dating app Grindr.
Two victims came forward independently of one another to report attacks by Mohammed Altaher to police, at his home address in Bedford in August and September 2019.
He was found guilty at an earlier hearing of two counts of rape and one of sexual assault by penetration.
In both cases Altaher is said to have become aggressive, ignored pleas to stop and carried out his attacks.
Prosecutor Nigel Ogborne said both victims had withdrawn consent but Altaher “carried on regardless”, raping them in an “aggressive manner”.
The prosecutor also told the court that one victim was given the drug MCAT before being subjected to sexual aggression, including rape.
A victim impact statement from one victim read: ”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.”
A second victim was grabbed, kissed and pushed on to a bed by Altaher, immediately after arriving at his home address, and was then raped.
The judge described Altaher as “arrogant”, “narcissistic” and “very self-obsessed”.
Andrew Cohen, defending, told the court that Altaher had a “level of neuro-diversity that meant he did not understand or take signals from other people.”
He added that Altaher, who has a doctorate, was also an expert in AI.
Detective Constable Kevin Cheese, from the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) team, said: “These were especially horrific incidents which left the victims feeling scared.
“When it comes to sexual activity consent is crucial. Consent for sexual activity can be withdrawn at any time, and regardless if you initially consented to sex, it is still rape if consent is withdrawn and they continue.
“In this case, Altaher showed no care or compassion for the victims’ wishes, despite pleas to stop, and continued for his own sexual gratification.
“There is undoubtedly under reporting when it comes to male victims of sexual violence, as well as victims in the LGBT+ community, and we hope this episode helps demonstrate to victims that they will be believed.
“I want to thank both survivors in this case for coming forward and getting a dangerous predator like Altaher off the streets.
“We will always be on the side of victims, regardless of gender, background or sexual orientation, and we will relentlessly pursue perpetrators of such crimes.
“It is never too late to come forward and report something that has happened to you.”
Where is Mohammed Altaher now?
Following his arrest, Altaher was found guilty of two counts of rape and one of sexual assault by penetration.
In September 2023, he was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court and is now reportedly appealing against his conviction.
How long will Mohammed Altaher spend in prison?
Mohammed Altaher was sentenced to 10 years behind bars at St Albans Crown Court.
Altaher will also be put on the sex offenders register for life and will face extra probation monitoring for five years following his release.
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