Kuwaiti migrant convicted of rape also faces terrorism charges in Austria
Ayman Al-Shammari, who was found guilty of rape in the UK, is wanted in Austria for alleged terror offenses, authorities confirmed.
A Kuwaiti national, Ayman Al-Shammari, 28, has been found guilty of raping a woman he met in Taunton, Somerset, in November. He was remanded into custody pending a sentencing hearing scheduled for November 27.
In addition to the rape conviction, Al-Shammari is facing extradition proceedings as he is wanted on suspicion of terror offenses in Austria. The National Crime Agency confirmed that its extradition unit arrested Al-Shammari at Westminster Magistrates Court in April in connection with the alleged Austrian offenses. Extradition proceedings are ongoing.
Bristol Crown Court heard that Al-Shammari, who has limited English proficiency and used an interpreter during court proceedings, had a brief relationship with the victim before the assault. The prosecution stated that the pair met at a pub, then went to a nightclub. They had consensual sexual relations on one occasion, and maintained contact via Snapchat, using Google Translate.
On the night of November 25, Al-Shammari visited the victim's home, where they consumed drinks. The victim stated that while the sexual encounter began consensually, she became increasingly uncomfortable and asked Al-Shammari to stop. The prosecution presented audio recordings made by the victim during the incident, in which she could be heard saying "no" and expressing distress.
Al-Shammari maintained that he believed the sexual activity was consensual, although he admitted to stopping when the victim indicated pain. He was arrested on suspicion of rape on November 16 and initially told officers the victim was his friend. During a police interview, he initially cooperated but provided mostly "no comment" answers after the recordings were played.
The jury found Al-Shammari guilty of one count of rape by a majority verdict. Judge Euan Ambrose informed Al-Shammari that he should expect a prison sentence.
Details regarding Al-Shammari's entry into the UK and the specific nature of the terror allegations in Austria remain unclear. He is reportedly also known by the alias Ayman Sabawi Aiman. Al-Shammari has denied any involvement in terrorism and claimed to have been informed that the case against him in Austria was being dropped, though the extradition case remains active. He is currently being held in Belmarsh Prison due to concerns he may abscond if released on bail.