Man, 24, jailed over rape in hotel room

A 24-year-old man Telford man is starting a six-year jail sentence after being found guilty of raping a drunken woman in a hotel room.

Umair Mehdi, of Manor Road, Arleston, Telford, had denied raping the woman after taking her to a room at the Days Inn Hotel, off Junction four of the M54, in Telford, on October 26 last year.

Medhi was found guilty by a jury yesterday after a trial at Shrewsbury Crown Court.

Shakeel Ahmed, 23, of Regent Street, Wellington, was cleared of being a secondary person to the rape.

He was found guilty of causing a person to engage in sexual activity and jailed for 18 months. He had denied both allegations.

The court heard the men had taken the woman to the hotel after visiting a nightclub and that Mehdi had raped the woman while Ahmed was in the room.

Giving evidence, the victim said because of drink she could hardly remember anything about the night except being in a room with Mehdi.

The court heard a claim by the defence that the sex was consensual and the two men had acted lawfully.

Police said today they were pleased with the outcome and paid tribute to the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, for her bravery.

Chris Ammonds, spokesman for West Mercia Police, said: "We are pleased with the outcome in this case and hope the convictions clearly demonstrate our determination to thoroughly investigate sexual offences and get the best possible result for the victim.

"We would like to reassure people right across West Mercia that we investigate each and every allegation thoroughly and that a victim should have no hesitation in coming forward for fear that they will not be taken seriously.

"We'd like to thank everyone who came forward and offered information in this case and it is also important to acknowledge the bravery of the victim herself and pay tribute to her.

"She deserves enormous credit for the way she has conducted herself and we hope that the convictions offer her some small consolation as she now attempts to rebuild her life."

By Brett Gibbons