Afghan man raped two unconscious teenage women after plying them with alcohol
Sultani Bakatash, 29, who was as been granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK after arriving from Afghanistan, has been found guilty of raping two unconscious teenage girls
Sultani Bakatash has been found guilty of raping two teenage girls (Image: PA)
An Afghan man has been found guilty of raping two teenage girls. Sultani Bakatash, 29, groomed a 14-year-old girl using Snapchat, before inviting her and a friend to his flat in Georgina Court, Bolton, on December 6 last year.
There he plied both 14-year-olds with alcohol before raping both girls while they were unconscious, Bolton Crown Court heard. Bakatash has been in the UK for two years and has been granted indefinite leave to remain, with his mother, two brothers and two sisters also living in the UK.
After committing his sick crimes, he fled the property but was arrested two days later and the Child Protection Investigation Unit of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) launched an investigation.
Bakatash denied the offences but on Friday (July 3) was found guilty by a jury and convicted of two counts of rape, one of sexual assault and one of assault by penetration following a four-week trial. He will now be sentenced on September 19.
Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley, District Commander for Bolton for GMP, said: “I would like to thank both survivors for their immense bravery during these proceedings.
“Their unwavering strength and courage has been instrumental in securing this conviction.
“Bakatash denied all counts against him. He denied manipulating, grooming and assaulting both girls. He denied the pain and hurt he subjected them to. He showed a blatant disregard for his actions and the long-term impact this would have on the victims. But today a jury rightfully found him guilty on all counts.
“This trial will have been no doubt a difficult time for the girls and their families, and it is only with their support that we have managed to keep Bakatash behind bars.
“I’d also like to thank the CPIU for their hard work and swift actions throughout this investigation, which ensured Bakatash was in our custody within 48 hours of the incident first being reported.
“Our specialist officers will continue to work with the survivors to ensure they are receiving the best support possible.
“No one should ever be subjected to this kind of abuse and my thoughts remain firmly with them as they continue their recovery.
“We hope this outcome sends a clear message that we will relentlessly pursue those who harm vulnerable people.
“I urge anyone who may have experienced similar abuse to please come forward and report. You will always be listened to, respected, and supported.”
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