Two men have been sentenced to a combined total of 19 years after they were convicted of a string of offences in Milton Keynes and Northampton.
Shahime Finch, aged 26, of Linden Road, Reading, was found guilty by a unanimous jury verdict of three counts of robbery following a trial at Reading Crown Court, which concluded on 9 September this year.
Muhammad Munir, aged 26, also of Linden Road, Reading, was found guilty by unanimous jury verdict of one count of intentional strangulation, three counts of robbery and four counts of sexual assault on a female at the same trial.
He was acquitted of one further count of intentional strangulation.
Returning to the same court today (November 18), Munir was jailed for a total of 11 years and Finch eight years.
On the evening of 18 January 2025, Finch and Munir travelled from Reading to Milton Keynes, forcing entry into an AirBnB in Milburn Avenue, where two women, in their 20s, were staying.
They demanded cash from them both, and threatened them with a screwdriver.
One of the women was dragged into a bedroom by her hair by Munir, while Finch searched the property.
They then threatened her at knifepoint and stole £160 in cash.
Munir and Finch then left and travelled to Northampton, forcing their way into another AirBnB, where two women were staying.
This time, Munir strangled one of the women, aged in her 30s, who had answered the door, before dragging her down the stairs by her hair and again demanded money.
The two victims were then taken to a bedroom where Munir sexually assaulted them both.
Finch searched the property, but the victims managed to escape and ran out into the road searching for help.
Around £1,500 was stolen from the address as well as two iPhones before Munir and Finch fled the property.
Following an investigation, Munir was arrested on 19 January and again on 12 February, before being charged on 13 February.
Finch was arrested on 7 February and charged the following day.
“This was an extremely challenging and harrowing case,” said investigating officer Detective Constable Samantha Le Jeune, “The defendants inflicted enormous terror on their victims, and conducted abhorrent offences against all of them.
“I would like to thank the victims for their serious courage, strength and resolve throughout this investigation and subsequent trial.
“I would also like to thank our colleagues in Northamptonshire Police for their immediate policing response to the second incident in Northampton.
“Violence against women and girls is abhorrent, and Thames Valley Police will not tolerate such wicked offending.
“I am pleased that both Munir and Finch have now been held accountable for their actions and will serve lengthy prison sentences as a result.
“If you are a victim, please contact us. You will be listened to and supported, and we will do all we can to bring offenders to justice.
“You can call us on 101 or report online, and if you are in immediate danger, call us on 999.”
Support information is available online via the website, Violence Against Women and Girls | Thames Valley Police, which provides signposts to supportive organisations.
