On 23 December 2025, the survivor met Mahmud during a night out in Manchester city centre. The following day, after travelling to Oldham together, Mahmud led him to a secluded wooded area in Failsworth where, despite the survivor making it clear he did not want to have sex, Mahmud raped him.

After the attack, Mahmud threatened to kill the survivor and stole his mobile phone and bank cards before leaving. Once he felt safe to do so, the survivor reported the offence to police and provided forensic samples, which resulted in a DNA match identifying Mahmud.

Mahmud was arrested at his home address on 29 December 2025. A search of the property uncovered five mobile phones, snap bags containing white powder, more than £3,300 in cash and three driving licences belonging to other people. These items linked Mahmud to a separate robbery reported days earlier.

In that incident, another man reported meeting Mahmud on a night out before returning to his home. Mahmud stole his mobile phone and wallet, assaulted him and fled the address.

As part of court proceedings, both survivors provided Victim Impact Statements. The survivor from the incident in Failsworth described the lasting impact of the attack, saying it had left him living with anxiety, fear and a loss of confidence, affecting his relationships, work and everyday life.

The second survivor said the incident had significantly affected his trust in other people and left him feeling unsafe in his own home, adding that the visible scar from the attack serves as a daily reminder of what happened and that he hopes today’s sentence will bring some closure.

Detective Constable Nicola Lock, of GMP’s Oldham district, said: “I want to commend the survivor for the remarkable courage he has shown in coming forward and supporting this investigation. Reporting an offence of this nature is incredibly difficult, and it is through his bravery that a dangerous offender is now behind bars.

“I would also like to thank the other victim affected by Mahmud’s offending for coming forward. The evidence provided by both men allowed us to build a clear picture of who Saleh Mahmud really is – a dangerous and predatory offender.

“Those who choose to manipulate, exploit and harm people in such devastating ways will be relentlessly pursued. Our message is clear: we will find you and we will bring you before the courts.

“I hope today’s sentence provides the survivor with some measure of justice as he continues to rebuild his life. His courage has helped protect others from harm, and we will continue to stand alongside him, and every survivor, in bringing offenders like Mahmud to justice.”

Remember – if in doubt, report it.

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can access the help and support available.

• Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. Services are available 24 hours a day on 0161 276 6515.
• Greater Manchester Rape Crisis provides confidential support and counselling for women over 18 who have experienced rape or sexual abuse. Call 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk.
• Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma-informed support to male victims of sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.

Image credit Greater Manchester Police