An Afghan man has been found guilty of raping two teenage girls. Sultani Bakatash, 29, groomed a 14-year-old girl online by Snapchat, before luring her and a friend under false pretences to his flat in Georgina Court, Bolton, last December 6.

There he plied both 14-year-olds with alcohol before raping both 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 both survivors bravely disclosed the rapes, officers launched an investigation and immediately began searching for Bakatash. He fled the scene, but was swiftly located and arrested by the early hours of Sunday, December 7. Bakatash denied the charges but, following a four-week trial at Bolton Crown Court, was found guilty by a jury on Friday of two counts of rape, one count of sexual assault and one count of assault by penetration. He will be sentenced on Wednesday, September 9.

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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