Man guilty of rape in Somerset after woman’s secret recording

Al-Shammari, a Kuwaiti national living in Taunton, was remanded in custody to be sentenced on 27 November.

Al-Shammari denied rape but was found guilty by a majority verdict.

The jury heard Al-Shammari had known the woman for a few weeks, having met her on a night out, and they had slept together once.

On the night of the incident, he tried to persuade her to come out for the evening and when she said no, he convinced her to let him come to her home.

After a few drinks he asked to stay the night and she agreed to let him sleep on the sofa, telling him they were just friends.

The court was told Al-Shammari went to the woman’s room and they did start to have consensual sex, but the woman later told police she was feeling “more and more uncomfortable”. She said she asked him to stop but he did not.

The jury heard the recording in which the woman said “no” and “I don’t like it”.

In his police interview, Al-Shammari denied rape and told officers the woman had wanted sex but the positions they tried hurt her so he stopped.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “Rape is a crime which often happens behind closed doors, leaving a jury to decide which of the two people is telling the truth.

“This is an unusual case as the survivor provided key evidence by recording the attack.

“Avon and Somerset Police remain committed to thoroughly investigating reports of sexual offences, supporting victims and pursuing offenders through the criminal justice system.

“The circumstances of this case highlight the importance of consent in sexual relationships.

“No means no, whether you’ve had consensual sex before or not. If you have any doubt about their consent, stop.”