Mohammed Altaher, who preyed on victims through Grindr, was sentenced to 10 years for his horrific actions against two men, detailed in the recent episode of Channel 4's 24 Hours in Police Custody, which highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement and legal teams when prosecuting sexual assault cases.
Initially airing on January 27, 2025, the episode, titled "The Predator," revisits the troubling case, showcasing the dedicated work of Bedfordshire Police’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences unit as they gathered substantial evidence against Altaher, who vehemently denied any wrongdoing. The show emphasizes how the predatory actions took place between August and September 2019 when Altaher brutally assaulted two men after meeting them through the dating app. Each man, unaware of the violence to come, reported their experiences independently, unearthing a narrative fraught with trauma and reflection.
Altaher’s first victim, who withdrew consent during the violent encounter, reported suffering multiple injuries as Altaher escalated his aggression. His second victim, initially consenting to sex, experienced grave distress and was even drugged with the substance MCAT, reporting feelings similar to being “like a zombie” during the assault. The prosecutor, Nigel Ogborne, presented these harrowing accounts to St Albans Crown Court, detailing how Altaher persisted even when consent was revoked, actively ignoring the victims’ pleas.
Sentencing the Bedford resident, recorder Andrew Johnson remarked, “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.” This encapsulates the deeply concerning narcissism and arrogance displayed by Altaher, as he continued to boast about his sexual exploits, downplaying the gravity of his actions and the psychological impact of the assaults on his victims.
Reflecting on their experiences, one victim named Jamie recounted, “I never met anyone like him before who wanted to do something so horrible. There was a long time when I was having nightmares of it happening again. I definitely think I’m getting stronger but it just takes time and lots of help.” This statement serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring psychological scars left by such violent encounters.
During the police investigation, Altaher displayed indifference to the accusations, even smirking at the officer questioning him, which is shocking behavior for someone facing such serious charges. Following his brief release, he was recorded boasting about having engaged with numerous men from Grindr, continuing to minimize his predatory actions by asserting, "The guys I meet are beautiful. It's an addiction but it doesn't mean you rape people. Any guy I like, I can get.” Such comments indicate not only his arrogance but also contribute to the difficulties faced by victims when seeking accountability and justice.
With the sentencing occurring in September 2023, the aftermath led two additional victims to step forward, inspiring police to request other potential victims to report their experiences. Detective Inspector Clare Gilbert emphasized the severe nature of Altaher’s actions, stating, “This crime is one down from murder. The game we are in is getting to the truth of the allegation.” The detective urges systemic improvements, noting the challenges of prosecuting rape cases, where evidence can be difficult to gather and early decisions can complicate proceedings.
Detective Constable Kevin Cheese contributed to the dialogue surrounding support for male victims and the LGBTQ+ community by noting, “These were especially horrific incidents which left the victims feeling scared. 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.” This message serves as necessary reassurance for potential victims, affirming their rights and the importance of seeking help.
Cheese expressed gratitude to the survivors for their courage, stating “I want to thank both survivors in this case for coming forward and getting a dangerous predator like Altaher off the streets.” This highlights the police's commitment to victim support and continued advocacy for those affected by sexual violence. The DV Police Unit remains dedicated to pursuing such offenders with relentless diligence, emphasizing their support for victims across all backgrounds.
Victims who resonate with this narrative and seek assistance are encouraged to reach out via telephone or online channels provided by the Bedfordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership. The program on Channel 4 serves not just as entertainment, but as a powerful tool for education and awareness, reminding society of the necessity to confront sexual violence and its many facets.
For those who wish to engage with the investigations and consequences showcased, the episode of 24 Hours in Police Custody is available on Channel 4, allowing viewers to grasp the extended repercussions of Altaher's actions and the determination of authorities to uphold the rights of victims.