Man who hid unconscious woman under bed after rape and abduction ordeal jailed

A former teacher who hid an unconscious woman under a bed after abducting and raping her has been jailed for nine years.

Sohail Ahmed, also known as Soheel, was found guilty of abducting and violently raping two vulnerable women he had just met at his home in Glasgow’s Maryhill following a trial at the High Court.

The 52-year-old first struck days before Christmas 2022, having already been charged for sending sexually indecent texts and voicemails to an osteopath.

The second attack occurred while he was on two bail orders.

Ahmed abducted his first victim at the rubbish-strewn flat in December 2022, where he raped her and tried to prevent her from leaving.

The court heard how the woman had agreed to visit married Ahmed’s flat after he contacted her online.

Abduction

The ex-geography and modern studies teacher admitted to taking cocaine and having consensual sex with the woman.

Sohail Ahmed being arrested by officers at his home Crown Office

He then stopped the woman from leaving, snatching her handbag and locking the door.

Prosecutors said he told her: “You are not going anywhere”, and started “howling” like a wolf and beating his chest.

He then raped the woman before she was captured on Ring doorbell footage, eventually fleeing “wailing, in a state of unhappiness”.

He subjected his second victim, a stranger whom he met in Glasgow Central Station, to the same ordeal in August 2023.

The court heard he locked this woman in the property and held her against her will.

He then spiked her drink with a “substance” before taking advantage to rape the woman, who ended up unconscious, the court heard.

Prosecutors said Ahmed wrapped the naked and unconscious woman in a duvet before stuffing her under a bed.

He then piled sheets and other items on top to try and conceal her even further.

Police were contacted after the woman’s friend became concerned for her whereabouts.

Ahmed initially denied seeing the woman and was actively trying to hide her within the property.

Sohail Ahmed's home in Glasgow — Sohail Ahmed’s home in Glasgow Police Scotland

The flat was described as a “chaotic scene, in a state of severe disarray, with rubbish piled high from floor to ceiling”.

In his evidence, he claimed the woman had begged him not to answer the door as she had a warrant out for her arrest.

Ahmed insisted she had got herself tangled in the duvet after falling off the bed as he answered the door.

Woman found unconscious under bed

He told the court: “It was as if she was disappearing like a magic trick – her whole body was slipping through a gap, and the quilt was under her body. She slid off perfectly.”

The court heard police discovered the naked woman so deeply unconscious that they initially thought she was dead.

Detective inspector Danny Clark, Greater Glasgow Rape Investigation Unit, said: “Ahmed went to extreme lengths to hide his guilt and denied any knowledge of his second victim, but our officers knew something was not right and refused to give up when he claimed he was alone.

“They reviewed crucial CCTV footage, which proved the victim had entered the property and not left.

“Officers carried out a meticulous search and thankfully found her. I commend these officers for their determination to help this woman and bring Ahmed to justice for his despicable actions. There is no doubt this was a harrowing experience for the women involved.”

Ahmed, who was also found guilty of attempting to defeat the ends of justice and sending sexually indecent communications to a third woman, has been ordered to serve nine years in jail before he can be considered for release.

The judge also made him subject to an Order of Lifelong Restriction.

His name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.

‘Narcissism and psychopathy’

Lord Harrower said the assessment had found Ahmed to have “personality traits consistent with narcissism and psychopathy”.

Non-harassment orders, banning Ahmed from contacting or attempting to contact any of the women, were also granted for an indefinite period.

Faye Cook, procurator fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, said: “Sohail Ahmed poses a significant danger to women, and his predatory behaviour has inflicted lasting trauma on those affected.

“He showed a complete disregard for the safety and well-being of the victims, who had the misfortune of encountering him. These women must be commended for their help in securing this conviction despite the horrific ordeals they have endured.

“I would also like to acknowledge the excellent work of the Police Scotland officers, who found the unconscious victim concealed beneath a bed in this man’s home. Their swift actions prevented further suffering and brought this offending to an end.

“I hope this prosecution sends a clear message to men who seek to exploit women in this way. You cannot hide from justice, and we will do everything within our power to ensure you are held accountable.”