A “PREDATORY” attacker has been convicted of carrying out four sex crimes in Worcester city centre in just over 48 hours.

Mohammed Farooq attacked his victims in a city centre alleyway.

West Mercia Police yesterday welcomed the guilty verdicts, saying they feared he would have gone on to commit even worse attacks on women.

Farooq was found guilty of two counts of exposure, one count of committing an offence with the intention of committing a further sexual offence and one count of sexual assault at Worcester Crown Court yesterday.

Farooq, aged 30, of Sansome Place, Worcester, showed no emotion as the jury delivered its unanimous verdicts.

Judge Toby Hooper said Farooq, who worked in computer security for Encrypton IT services, exposed himself to two women while performing a sex act on himself on the night and early morning of September 3 and 4 last year.

He also touched a woman sexually on the evening and early morning of September 5 and 6.

The attacks all took place in Market Passage in Worcester city centre as Farooq walked a circular route around The Shambles, New Street and Pump Street.

The defence had maintained that Farooq was a victim of mistaken identity. But the prosecution said clothing found at his home was similar to that described by the victims.

The attacks were not caught on CCTV, but cameras did pick up a man with a similar distinctive gait to Farooq in the vicinity and mobile phone records proved he was in the area at the time of the attacks.

The victim of the first attack saw a man in an alleyway performing a sex act on himself with his trousers and underpants pulled down to his knees.

The second victim was on crutches because of an Achilles tendon injury when she saw Farooq in an alleyway, again with his trousers and underwear pulled down. He followed her to her car and asked her for sex to which she replied ‘No thanks’.

The victim of the sexual assault had her skirt lifted from behind and was touched sexually by Farooq but he was kicked by her sister and fled the scene. Mr Hooper, delivering his verdict, described the offences as “serious”.

“I should adjourn for psychiatric reports because I’m concerned as to whether you pose a significant risk of serious harm to the public and by the background to the offending which involves predatory behaviour and stalking of young women.”

Farooq was warned to expect a serious custodial sentence. He was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register and remanded in custody until sentencing in August.

After the verdict one of the victims said: “I am very happy about the verdict, really pleased, especially because has been found guilty of all counts.”

DC Matt Cartwright, of West Mercia Police said after the hearing: “Mohammed Farooq caused much distress. His alarming behaviour was escalating, worrying officers greatly.”