Another victim of rapist Mohammed Altaher came forward after seeing him on the TV programme 24 Hours in Police Custody, leading to a further rape conviction.
TV Demonstrate Prompts Latest Victim to Report Historic Rape
Mohammed Altaher, a doctor already serving a prison sentence for two rapes committed in Bedfordshire in 2019, was convicted of a third rape after a victim came forward following an episode of the Channel 4 documentary series 24 Hours in Police Custody. The episode, titled “The Predator“, aired on 27 January 2025 and detailed Altaher’s attacks on two men he met via the dating app Grindr.
After seeing the programme, a third victim reported a rape that occurred in 2019. Altaher, who was incarcerated at HMP Bedford at the time, denied the allegation. Although, following an investigation led by Thames Valley Police in collaboration with Bedfordshire Police’s rape and serious sexual offences team, he was found guilty of one count of rape at Aylesbury Crown Court on Tuesday, 8 April 2026.
Court Sentences Offender to Additional Prison Time
At sentencing, Altaher received a five-year prison term for the third rape, to run concurrently with his existing sentence. He had previously been sentenced to 10 years in prison at St Albans Crown Court in September 2023 after being found guilty of raping two men. As part of that original sentence, he was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
PC Heather Hutchinson, who worked on both investigations, praised the bravery of all victims involved. She stated that the original victims’ courage in coming forward, combined with the victim who reported after watching the TV programme, was instrumental in securing further evidence and holding a dangerous offender to account. Hutchinson also highlighted the broader impact of the documentary series, noting that it educates the public on consent and builds public trust in law enforcement.
Documentary Series Continues to Aid Investigations
24 Hours in Police Custody, which has followed Bedfordshire Police since 2014, featured footage from the documentary in the trial. The programme’s role in encouraging victims to report historic sexual offences has been acknowledged by investigators, who say it helps to build confidence among survivors to come forward.
The case underscores the ongoing impact of media-led public awareness in supporting justice for victims of sexual violence, particularly when combined with diligent police work and inter-force collaboration.