A man named Muhammad Ans has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for raping multiple women he met on dating apps. The 29-year-old was found guilty of four counts of rape against three women by the Plymouth Crown Court after a two-week trial. In addition to the prison term, Ans will serve three more years on extended licence and has been placed on the sex offenders register for life.
According to court proceedings, Ans encountered his victims through various dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Badoo between 2023 and 2025. One victim reported that after being assaulted by Ans, he offered her $3,000 as compensation if she agreed to keep quiet about the incident.
The first assault occurred towards the end of 2023 when Ans contacted a woman on Bumble, took her out for a meal, and then raped her at his residence in Coventry. Subsequent assaults followed in early 2024. Despite the victim’s refusal of his advances, Ans continued to contact her, offering gifts and outings.
Another victim met Ans on the Badoo app in Tavistock, where he raped her after she made it clear she did not consent to sexual activity. After the assault, Ans attempted to reconcile by offering shopping trips and expressing a desire to establish a relationship, which the victim rejected, deciding to report him instead.
The police investigation led to Ans’s arrest in Leeds after he fled Tavistock. During questioning, Ans denied the charges but admitted to meeting the victims, claiming the encounters were consensual. However, forensic examination of his phone revealed incriminating messages. Further victims were identified, leading to additional charges against Ans.
During the sentencing, the court heard impact statements from all three victims. They described the physical and psychological trauma caused by Ans’s actions, highlighting the lasting effects on their lives. Judge Matthew Turner KC emphasized the vulnerability of the victims and condemned Ans for preying on them for his own gratification. Ans was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.
Detective Constable Craig Ferguson affirmed that Ans had shown a pattern of behavior by making similar apologies and offers to victims after assaulting them. He characterized Ans as a sexual predator who disregarded consent and manipulated situations to carry out his assaults.
Ferguson praised the victims for their bravery in coming forward and assured continued support for victims of violence and sexual offenses by Devon and Cornwall Police.