A MAN in his late 20s has been convicted of rape at a woman's home in Taunton.
On Friday, October 30, Ayman Al-Shammari, 28, who lives in Taunton, was found guilty of one count of rape at Bristol Crown Court following a trial.
The jury heard that Al-Shammari had known the woman for a few weeks, having met her on a night out, and they had slept together once.
On Friday, November 14 2025, the 28-year-old tried to persuade her to come out for the evening, and when she decided not to, he convinced her to let him come to her home.
After a few drinks, he asked to stay the night at her property, 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 woman managed to unlock her phone and record what was happening. The jury heard the recording in which the woman says "no" and "I don't like it". She is described as sounding in pain, upset and crying.
In his police interview, Al-Shammari denied rape, telling officers the woman had wanted sex but that the positions they tried hurt her, so he stopped.
Speaking on reporting rape and these crimes, a spokesperson for the police said: "Avon and Somerset Police has a specialist sexual offences investigation team, known as Bluestone, which was involved in this case. The team recognises the impact of sexual offences on survivors and acknowledges the courage and strength shown by this woman.
"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.
"The 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."
If you have been affected by sexual violence, police ask that you report it, stating that you will be listened to, supported, and treated with dignity and respect.
Al-Shammari was remanded into custody pending a sentencing hearing on November 27.
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