MOHAMMED SANANA FROM CHELTENHAM FOUND GUILTY OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AND ATTEMPTED RAPE IN CHELTENHAM

A 22-year-old man named Mohammed Sanana has been convicted of serious sexual offenses that took place in Cheltenham. The charges include an attempted rape and a sexual assault against a woman during a night out in the town. Despite his denial of the allegations, a jury reached a unanimous verdict on Monday, 11 November, finding Sanana guilty after a week-long trial.

According to court proceedings, the incident occurred in March of this year when Sanana approached two women who were strangers to him. The women were walking through Cheltenham town centre during the evening, and Sanana initially appeared to offer assistance. He claimed he could guide them to another bar, which seemed to be a friendly gesture. However, the situation took a disturbing turn when they reached Cheltenham Library on Clarence Street around 8:30 pm.

At that location, Sanana sexually assaulted one of the women. The assault escalated to an attempted rape on the steps outside the library. The woman repeatedly told Sanana to go away, saying no to his advances, and she physically pushed him off when he tried to continue. After the assault, Sanana left the scene, disappearing from the area.

Sanana's account of the events was different from what the evidence showed. He denied the assault, claiming that he knew the woman and that their encounter was consensual. He insisted that he did not attempt to rape her and that his actions were within the bounds of consent. The police were called to the scene, and an investigation was launched. Despite Sanana not being immediately located, authorities used CCTV footage and forensic evidence to identify him as the suspect.

When police officers attempted to arrest Sanana at his residence, he initially provided false personal details and forcibly pushed past the officers. He then ran from the property but was quickly apprehended nearby. During the arrest, he was charged with escaping lawful custody, to which he admitted guilt. He also faced charges of attempted rape and sexual assault, which he continued to deny.

Sanana, who was residing in Cheltenham at the time of his arrest, has been held in custody since May when he was first charged. His sentencing is scheduled to take place at Gloucester Crown Court on Thursday, 14 November. The case has garnered significant attention due to the serious nature of the allegations and the victim's bravery in cooperating with law enforcement and giving evidence in court.

Detective Inspector Matt Jones, from the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team, commented on the case, stating, "This was a predatory attack by a man targeting a woman who he pretended was helping her. The woman in this case has shown incredible bravery by working with us throughout this process and giving evidence in court, and I welcome the jury's verdict."