** A predatory offender from Ashton-under-Lyne has been jailed for 12 years after raping a man in a wooded area in Failsworth and attacking a second man. Saleh Mahmud, 30, of Canterbury Street, was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on Wednesday 4 November after being found guilty of two counts of rape.

Attack followed a night out in Manchester

On 23 December 2025, the survivor met Mahmud during a night out in Manchester city centre. The following day they travelled to Oldham together, where Mahmud led the man to a secluded wooded area in Failsworth and raped him despite the man making clear he did not consent. The survivor later reported the offence to police and provided forensic samples, which produced a DNA match identifying Mahmud. He was arrested at his home on 29 December 2025.

Further offences admitted in court

As well as the rape convictions, Mahmud pleaded guilty to robbery, common assault, two counts of fraud, intentional strangulation and possession of criminal property. Both survivors gave victim impact statements during proceedings at Manchester Crown Court.

Detective Constable Nicola Lock, of Greater Manchester Police's Oldham district, praised the survivors' courage, saying it was through one man's bravery that a dangerous offender is now behind bars. Support is available from Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester. [Source: Greater Manchester Police](https://www.gmp.police.uk/news/greater-manchester/news/news/2026/november/thanks-to-survivors-bravery-predatory-offender-jailed-for-12-years/) | [Source: Tameside Correspondent](https://www.tamesidecorrespondent.co.uk/2026/11/07/ashton-rapist-described-as-dangerous-and-predatory-offender-after-being-jailed/)