30-Year-Old Man Lured Another Man He Met on a Night Out Into a Quiet Woodland Area, Where He Raped Him and Threatened to Kill Him, But What Police Found in His Home After His Arrest Exposed Even More Shocking Crimes

A 30-year-old man who lured another man into a quiet woodland area before raping him and threatening to kill him has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Saleh Mahmud, from Ashton-under-Lyne in Greater Manchester, met his victim during a night out in Manchester city centre on December 23, 2025.

The following day, Christmas Eve, the two men travelled to Oldham, where Mahmud persuaded the man to follow him into a secluded wooded area in Failsworth.

Once they were alone, the victim made it clear that he did not want to have sex. However, Mahmud ignored his refusal and raped him.

After the attack, Mahmud threatened to kill the man before stealing his mobile phone and bank cards.

Despite the frightening experience, the victim found the courage to report what had happened to the police.

Officers launched an investigation and collected DNA evidence, which helped them identify Mahmud as the attacker.

Five days after the rape, police arrested Mahmud and searched his home. During the search, officers discovered five mobile phones, bags containing white powder, £3,000 in cash and three driving licences belonging to other people.

The items found at his home also helped police connect him to another serious incident that had happened just days before the rape.

In that case, Mahmud had met another man during a night out and later accompanied him to his home.

Instead of leaving peacefully, Mahmud attacked the man, stole his mobile phone and wallet, and ran away.

Both victims later explained how Mahmud’s actions had seriously affected their lives.

The man who was raped said the experience had left him struggling with anxiety, fear and a loss of confidence.

He explained that the attack had changed the way he felt about himself and his personal safety.

The second victim also described the lasting effects of his encounter with Mahmud.

He said he no longer felt safe in his own home, a place where he should have been able to relax without fear.

He also revealed that he had been left with a visible scar from the assault, which serves as a daily reminder of what happened to him.

Detective Constable Nicola Lock, from Greater Manchester Police, praised the rape survivor for having the courage to speak out and help officers bring Mahmud to justice.

She explained that reporting sexual violence can be extremely difficult, particularly when victims are dealing with fear, embarrassment or the emotional effects of what they have experienced.

However, she said the victim’s decision to come forward played an important role in ensuring that a dangerous offender was taken off the streets.

The detective also thanked the second victim for reporting his experience and helping with the investigation.

According to her, the evidence provided by both men allowed officers to understand the full extent of Mahmud’s behaviour.

She described him as a dangerous offender who deliberately targeted and exploited other people.

DC Lock warned that anyone who chooses to manipulate, attack or take advantage of vulnerable people should expect the police to investigate and bring them before the courts.

She also expressed hope that the prison sentence would give the victims some sense of justice as they continued to recover from their experiences.

Mahmud appeared at Manchester Crown Court, where he was sentenced on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.

He was found guilty of two counts of rape.

He also pleaded guilty to robbery, common assault, two counts of fraud, intentional strangulation and possession of criminal property.

The court sentenced him to 12 years in prison for his crimes.

Greater Manchester Police said the case showed how important it is for victims to report serious offences, even when doing so feels difficult.

Officers said the courage shown by both men helped them gather the evidence needed to secure Mahmud’s conviction and prevent him from harming others.

Police also reassured victims of sexual violence and other serious crimes that they would continue to support those who come forward and work to bring offenders to justice.