A FISHPONDS man who tried to tried to rape two women and sexually assaulted a third has been locked up.
Haroon Shahid, aged 31, has been made subject to a hospital order under the Mental Health Act after a judge ruled he was unfit to plead on the three charges against him, based on medical evidence.
A jury at Bristol Crown Court then unanimously found that Shahid had carried out two attempted rapes and one sexual assault, following a process called a “trial of the facts”, on March 19.
After the verdict Shahid was given the hospital order and a further legal restriction, which means he can only be discharged from hospital if the Justice Secretary agrees.
The case followed an investigation by Avon & Somerset police into “extremely concerning” attacks on women in Clifton and Redland during February and March last year.
The investigation was led by the dedicated police rape and serious sexual assault investigation team, Operation Bluestone.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Florence Dickinson said: “The three victims were all in their early twenties and each have shown incredible strength and bravery in coming forward to report their experiences, but also in supporting the police investigation and attending court.
‘We believe there may be more victims’
“Each of them has played an invaluable part in ensuring a dangerous sexual offender is off the streets and unable to commit any further harm.
“We believe there may be more victims out there who’ve yet to come forward, as we strongly suspect Shahid was targeting young women in Clifton and Redland during early 2024.
“If you’ve been affected, or want to speak to the police, please call us on 101 or contact us online, using the reference number 5224 075 576.”
Victims of rape or sexual assault can also contact The Bridge, a sexual assault referral centre available 24/7 365 days a year, at thebridgecanhelp.org.uk or by calling 0117 342 6999.
More support from charities and other organisations can be found via www.thisisnotanexcuse.org.