Haider Ali, 31, has been found guilty of raping two women during one harrowing night on the streets of Stockton. The court heard chilling details of how Ali targeted his victims, showcasing his predatory behavior and lack of remorse for his actions.
On the night of September 7, 2024, Ali began prowling the area, first attacking a woman near Yarm Road. Complimenting her by saying she was 'lovely' and expressing desires to 'cuddle' and 'kiss' her, he quickly turned violent. According to evidence presented during the trial, he forced her to the ground and raped her not once, but twice over the course of approximately one hour.
Following this initial attack, Ali assaulted another woman shortly after midnight, as she walked along Spring Street. Despite her repeated protests and her insistence to call the police, Ali raped her, begging her not to seek help when he finally stopped. The woman attempted to flee and was pursued by another bystander but Ali managed to escape.
After reports were made to the police, investigators wasted no time. They quickly collected CCTV footage which showed Ali fleeing the scene. Within days, on September 10, 2024, he was apprehended at his home on Ayresome Street in Middlesbrough. Interestingly, he had attempted to disguise himself by shaving off his beard, claiming when arrested it was all 'consensual' and maintained the allegations against him were false.
The trial took place at Teesside Crown Court, starting January 21, 2025. During this period, both victims cooperated with authorities, providing detailed accounts of the traumatic events they experienced. Their emotional testimony formed the backbone of the prosecution's case.
Detective Inspector Matt Hollingsworth from Cleveland Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team spoke highly of the victims, commending their bravery. He stated, "Firstly, I would like to commend both women for their bravery. They not only reported what happened, which led to Ali being wanted by police, but they provided detailed accounts which would have been distressing and traumatic to speak about.”
He continued, “Their courage and determination never wavered, even though Ali denied what happened and knew there would be a court case. Ali is a sexual predator who was captured on CCTV prowling the streets of Stockton. The only emotion he has shown is toward himself, with no regard for the two women he attacked. It will have been difficult for the victims to relive their ordeal; nevertheless, they should be proud as their actions have helped protect other vulnerable women from being targeted.”
The final verdict confirmed Ali’s guilt on all three counts of rape as the jury returned their decision, with sentencing scheduled for March 17, 2025. This case highlights not only the serious issue of street crime and predation against women but also emphasizes the importance of support for victims.
If you, or someone you know, has been affected by sexual violence, authorities encourage reaching out to organizations like Arch North East for support. It’s imperative to seek help, as there are resources available for victims of such crimes.