TV show leads to third rape conviction for doctor

A doctor has been convicted of a third rape after his case appeared on the television programme 24 Hours In Police Custody.

Dr Mohammed Altaher, 41, was previously sentenced to 10 years in prison at St Albans Crown Court in September 2023 after being found guilty of raping two men.

After the Channel 4 programme aired, another victim reported a rape in 2019, which Altaher, of HMP Bedford, denied.

He was later found guilty of one count of rape at Aylesbury Crown Court on 8 April 2026 and sentenced to five years in prison, to run concurrently with his previous sentence.

PC Heather Hutchinson, who worked on both investigations, said: "I want to commend the immense bravery of the original victims who first spoke out about their experiences, as well as the courage shown by the victim who came forward after the programme aired.

"In this case, that courage led directly to further evidence being secured and a dangerous offender being held to account."

In the initial case, Altaher met his victims on the dating app, Grindr.

They had withdrawn consent for sex when they met him at his home in Bedford, but he "carried on regardless", raping them in an "aggressive manner".

The case was featured on the documentary series, which has been following Bedfordshire Police since 2014.

This encouraged another victim to report their rape.

Thames Valley Police led the investigation, in collaboration with Bedfordshire Police's rape and serious sexual offences team.

Footage from the documentary featured in the trial.

Hutchinson said: "Not only does 24 Hours in Police Custody play a vital role in educating the public on issues such as consent, but it also helps to build public trust and gives victims the confidence to come forward.

"Viewers can see investigations handled with care, professionalism and persistence, and for those watching who may be carrying their own trauma in silence, it can be the catalyst that gives them the strength to speak out and seek help."

As part of his previous sentence, Altaher, who was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life, faced extra probation monitoring for five years after release.

Under the latest sentencing, he faces extra probation monitoring for seven years after release.

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