A MAN has been convicted of attempting to rape a woman after he gave her a lift in his car.

Mohammed Amir, 31, of Goodman Park, Slough, was found guilty of one count of attempted rape by unanimous jury at Reading Crown Court on Friday after a week-long trial.

Between 10pm and 11pm on November 2 last year, Amir gave a woman aged in her twenties a lift in his car. He then pulled the car over in Wexham Road, Slough, and attempted to rape the woman.

She was able to escape from the vehicle and ran to safety.

Amir was arrested three days later and was charged the following day.

Detective Constable Dan Spiers, from Berkshire East Force CID, said: “I would like to commend the bravery of the victim in coming forward, reporting this to police and supporting the investigation and subsequent trial.

“The victim thought that Amir was someone who would drive her home safely but, when she was in his car, Amir took advantage of the circumstances and attempted to rape her.

“There is no excuse for the actions of Amir and other sex offenders like him but this case highlights how important it is for men and women to ensure they do not put themselves at risk of dangerous criminals like Amir and instead ensure they look after their personal safety, particularly when travelling on their own and late at night.

“Of course it is entirely the fault of sex offenders like Amir that these crimes are committed at all, and I hope the conviction will be of some comfort to the victim as she moves forward with her life.

“Thames Valley Police takes all reports of this nature extremely seriously and will always conduct a thorough investigation. I would urge anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence or who has any information about crimes of this nature to call 101.” Following his conviction, he was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on Friday, June 5.