Man found guilty of attempting to rape a woman in Cheltenham

A 22-year-old man has been found guilty of attempting to rape a woman and sexually assaulting her in Cheltenham.

Mohammed Sanana denied the offences, but following a week-long trial, a jury unanimously found him guilty on Monday (11 November).

In March this year Sanana approached two women he did not know who were on a night out together and were walking through the town centre.

The court heard how he had spotted the pair and offered assistance, and said he could show them where another bar was.

However, when they got to Cheltenham Library on Clarence Street at around 8.30pm, Sanana sexually assaulted one of the women and then attempted to rape her on the steps.

She repeatedly told Sanana no, to go away and she pushed him off. He then left the scene.

The court was told that Sanana denied this and instead claimed a different version of events. He said that he knew the woman, that what he did was consensual and that he had not tried to rape her.

Police were called to the scene and searched for him, however he was not located. CCTV and forensic enquiries followed, and Sanana was later identified as the suspect.

When officers went to arrest him at an address, he provided false details and then pushed his way past officers. He ran out of the address but was located nearby and arrested.

He was charged with escaping lawful custody in relation to this and admitted the offence. He was also charged with attempted rape and sexual assault, which he denied.

Sanana, who lived in Cheltenham at the time, has been remanded in custody since he was charged with the offences in May and he is due to be sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court tomorrow, Thursday 14 November.

T/Detective Inspector Matt Jones from the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team said: "This was a predatory attack by a man targeting a woman who he had pretended he was trying to help.

"The woman in this case has been incredibly brave by working with us throughout this process and giving evidence in court, and I welcome the jury's verdict.

"We are committed to tackling male predatory behaviour and we encourage anyone who has been sexually assaulted to please come forward."

If someone has sexually assaulted you, help is available. Police have specially trained officers who can provide support and investigate these type of offences.

Call 999 in an emergency, report by calling 101 or online here: Rape, sexual assault or another sexual offence | Police.uk (www.police.uk)