Kidnapped and raped a 17-year-old girl.

A 37-year-old man has been convicted of kidnapping and raping a 17-year-old girl in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.

Mohammed Atif Khan snatched the teen as she waited for her parents after a night out on August 28, 2021. CCTV footage captured Khan reversing and parking his car near the girl before forcing her into the vehicle.

Khan drove the victim 10 miles away from the town center before sexually assaulting and raping her. He then drove her back to Hemel Hempstead, leaving her to make her way back to the town center where her family eventually found her.

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, bravely reported the assault to her family, who then contacted the police.

On March 17, 2022, Khan was convicted at Luton Crown Court of four offenses, including kidnap with intent to commit a sexual offense, rape, oral rape, and sexual assault by penetration.

Police praised the victim's "incredible courage" for coming forward and giving evidence. An extensive investigation involved reviewing hours of CCTV footage and Automatic Number Plate Recognition data. Detectives identified a white Volkswagen Polo linked to Khan, who had previously operated a car rental company called Stallion Supercars.

Khan was arrested four days after the assault and pleaded not guilty, forcing the victim to testify in court. Despite his denial, the jury found him guilty, and he has been remanded in custody until his sentencing hearing on May 13.

Det Insp Justine Jenkins commented on the case: "News of this stranger attack caused understandable and considerable concern in the community at the time. I am pleased to share that we have managed to secure a conviction on behalf of the victim. She has shown incredible courage throughout the whole investigation and court case, especially after Khan's refusal to admit what he had done meant she had to endure the trauma of giving evidence."

Jenkins continued, "She has been supported by specially trained officers throughout and has also received additional help from partner organisations. Khan has shown himself to be a dangerous sexual predator who, when he saw the victim alone, decided to unashamedly exploit the situation for his own sickening gain. He is now behind bars as we await the outcome of his sentencing next month."