Salahuddin Mohammad 31

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A sex predator has been jailed for 11 years after two women woke up next to the stranger with no memory of what he had done to them.

Salahuddin Mohammad targeted two victims within a short space of time in Newcastle city centre. Both were heavily intoxicated and were taken advantage of by the brute, who was infected with Hepatitis B and didn't wear a condom.

When police discovered medication at Mohammad's flat it was not clear initially if he was being treated for HIV or Hepatitis B. While he did not pass on the infection, the victims faced an anxious wait to find out if they had contracted any diseases.

Mohammad, 29, of Westgate Road, Newcastle, was found guilty of raping the two women after a trial at Newcastle Crown Court. Jailing him for 11 years, of which he must serve two-thirds, and ordering him to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely, Judge Stephen Earl said: "Each of them mentions the Hepatitis B test and it put them through additional stress.

"Each of them have described in significant detail the trauma this offending has caused them. It's had a significant effect on the lives of each of these two women.

"Each of these is a horrific act of sexual predatory behaviour. I can only hope and pray they can put this matter behind them, that they can begin to rebuild their lives with the help of loved ones, now these matters are finished."

The first victim, a student, had been on a night out in Newcastle city centre in 2018 and woke up the next morning in a strange flat next to stranger Mohammad. She could tell she'd had sex but had no memory of meeting him or going to his flat.

Later that month, while the investigation into that was ongoing, another young woman reported to police that something similar had happened to her. She had also been out in the city centre and woke up the next day in unfamiliar surroundings next to a man she didn't know. She had a vague memory of having sex but no memory of meeting him or going to his home.

Anthony Dunne, prosecuting, said at an earlier hearing: "The prosecution case at trial was that both victims were highly intoxicated at the time they must have met the defendant and while there was no evidence as to how they became so intoxicated, the defendant took advantage of their situation by taking them back to his flat and having sex with them when they were in no position to consent.

"In neither case did he use a condom. The defendant was receiving treatment for a serious infection at the time and there was therefore the risk of that infection being transmitted to both victims. Both were tested for that infection, causing significant distress and anxiety. Fortunately in both cases the infection was not transmitted."

Mr Dunne added: "The prosecution concede it can't be said on the evidence the defendant was responsible for their intoxication."

The first victim said in a statement read to the court: "This horrible crime has had an immense impact on my life. I had to have an intimate examination and had to discuss the possibility of sexually transmitted diseases and I was vaccinated for Hepatitis B.

"I was later told by police medication was found in the offender's property for Hepatitis B or HIV. I went to a sexual health clinic with police to see if there was an option to treat it if I did have HIV but I was told it would be too late.

"I waited three long months to find he only had Hepatitis B, which I had thankfully been vaccinated against. The waiting caused me considerable stress and I hardly had a good night's sleep, thinking I might have contracted a potentially life-changing disease. I have had suicidal thoughts. For a long period afterwards I have had nightmares."

The victim, who said her university studies were impacted, added: "My dad sat through the trial and heard things no parent should ever have to hear. The trial was an extremely stressful experience. I don't usually get emotional yet I found myself crying in a room full of strangers while giving my evidence in the trial. It left me feeling incredibly vulnerable and I felt like I was the one on trial."

The second victim said: "For a long time after this crime I was in a state of shock and it was a humiliating process for the first few days afterwards, from the medical examination to the statement giving. To be told the male who did this to me had Hepatitis B, I was horrified and I was worried until I got the all clear. This only added to the anxiety I was experiencing daily.

"I lost weight and didn't want to see anyone. My life changed drastically following this incident. I used to be confident, sociable and enjoyed going out with my friends. I now have major trust issues."

Prosecutors are applying for a sexual harm prevention order banning Mohammad from being alone with any female under the influence of alcohol. Mohammad's sentencing hearing was adjourned until later this month for Judge Stephen Earl to consider how long he should be jailed for.

Annelie Haugstad, defending, said he left school in Sudan at 14 and was forced to leave after protesting against the government.