Serial Rapist Mohammed Altaher Convicted of Third Rape

Iraqi national Mohammed Altaher, previously convicted of two rapes, has been found guilty of a third count of rape following a trial at Aylesbury Crown Court. The conviction came after a third victim came forward after seeing Altaher featured in the Channel 4 documentary ‘24 Hours in Police Custody’.

Details of the Conviction

Altaher, 41, received a five-year sentence to run concurrently with his existing ten-year sentence, plus a seven-year extended license. The trial stemmed from an incident that occurred in 2019. The conviction highlights the impact of media coverage in encouraging victims to come forward.

The ‘24 Hours in Police Custody’ Documentary

Altaher initially gained notoriety through the Channel 4 documentary series ‘24 Hours in Police Custody’, titled ‘The Predator’. The episode detailed his previous convictions for raping two men he met on the gay dating app Grindr. During the program, Altaher falsely claimed mistreatment by detectives due to his sexual orientation.

Third Victim Comes Forward

The broadcast of the documentary prompted a third victim to recount a similar experience of sexual assault from 2019, leading to the recent trial and conviction. This demonstrates the power of public awareness in supporting victims and bringing perpetrators to justice.

Modus Operandi and Victim Impact

Altaher’s crimes involved exploiting trust gained through online dating platforms to perpetrate violent sexual assaults. In the initial two cases, occurring in August and September of 2019, he showed a callous disregard for consent, continuing sexual activity even after it was explicitly withdrawn.

Details of the Assaults

The first victim was subjected to brutal treatment, including being administered the illegal stimulant MCAT before being repeatedly penetrated with a shower hose, resulting in multiple injuries. The victim initially struggled to identify as someone who had been raped, experiencing significant psychological trauma.

The second victim was immediately overpowered upon entering Altaher’s home and forcibly assaulted. The court heard evidence of Altaher’s aggressive behavior and persistence in his assaults, highlighting a pattern of predatory conduct.

Judge’s Remarks and Sentencing

The judge at his first trial in St Albans Crown Court in 2023 characterized Altaher as ‘arrogant, narcissistic and self-obsessed’, emphasizing that his own desires took precedence over the rights and well-being of his victims.

Law Enforcement Response

PC Heather Hutchinson praised the bravery of all three victims who came forward to report Altaher’s crimes, particularly the individual who was emboldened to speak out after watching ‘24 Hours in Police Custody’. She emphasized the program’s role in educating the public about consent and fostering trust in law enforcement.