'Calculating predators' jailed for raping woman

Two "calculating sexual predators" have been jailed after being found guilty of raping a woman at a guest house six years ago.

Riaz Muhammed, 51, from Easton in Bristol, has been given a nine-year prison sentence, while Muhammed Zahid, 46, from St Philips, was jailed for eight years after they were unanimously found guilty by a jury following an eight-day trial.

Bristol Crown Court heard that in 2019, Muhammed, a taxi driver, had collected the woman before paying for her to stay at the guest house.

He then arranged for his friend Zahid to join him there and while the victim was unconscious, both men raped her in a "planned and sustained attack", Avon and Somerset Police said.

During sentencing on 17 December, the men were told they must serve two thirds of their sentences in custody, at which point they will be released on license.

In a joint statement, the two investigating officers, Det Con Laurence Castle and Det Con Saoirse Moore, said: "Muhammed and Zahid are calculating sexual predators who preyed on a vulnerable victim, hoping she would not have the strength to come forward.

"However, despite the trauma they have caused, they are now facing a considerable amount of time in prison after a jury has found them guilty.

"The victim has shown truly extraordinary resilience despite the amount of trauma she was forced to endure at the hands of the men who the victim believed were taking her to a place of safety.

"We admire her for coming forwards and remaining hopeful throughout the arduous process."

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