Overview
- A jury at Plymouth Crown Court convicted Muhammad Ans of four counts of rape after a 14‑day trial and he was sentenced to 20 years in prison plus three years on extended licence and lifetime sex‑offender registration.
- The court heard Ans met three women via dating apps between 2023 and 2025 and used those meetings to create opportunities to rape them, including assaults at his Coventry accommodation and at his flat after courting victims.
- Devon and Cornwall Police built the case through victim reports, vehicle identification and a wanted appeal that located Ans after he fled Tavistock and was later arrested in Leeds.
- Forensic analysis of data from a seized phone produced messages that identified an additional victim and led to further charges, while Ans denied the offences in interview and was initially bailed.
- Victim impact statements described severe psychological harm and the judge and lead detective described Ans as a sexual predator, a finding that highlights safety risks when meeting people through dating platforms and the role of digital evidence in prosecution.