Afghan Immigrant Convicted of Grooming and Rape in Bolton

An Afghan immigrant has been found guilty of grooming and sexually assaulting two teenage girls in Bolton, Greater Manchester.

Sultani Bakatas, 29, was sentenced on Friday for his actions that took place in December. He groomed one of the girls online and invited her and a friend to his location, where he forced them to consume alcohol before assaulting her.

As reported by Greater Manchester Police, Bakatas used Snapchat to deceive the two 14-year-olds into coming to his home. After giving them alcohol, the girls lost consciousness, allowing him to carry out the assaults.

This week, he was convicted on two counts of rape, one count of sexual assault, and one count of sexual assault against a minor.

Initially, Bakatas claimed that the sexual encounters were consensual and suggested the girls had instigated them, but later denied that any sexual activity had occurred.

One victim recounted feeling “trapped during the attack” and expressed fears for her life in Bolton Crown Court.

Bakatas, who arrived in the UK in 2022 after allegedly escaping the Taliban for assisting British forces in Afghanistan, is scheduled to be sentenced on September 9.

In a statement regarding the conviction, Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley, Bolton District Commander, expressed gratitude to the survivors for their courage throughout the trial. Their strength played a crucial role in securing the conviction.

“Bakatas denied all charges, refusing to acknowledge the manipulation, grooming, and assault of these girls. His lack of concern for the ongoing impact of his actions on the victims was evident. However, the jury made the right decision in finding him guilty on all counts,” she stated.

“This trial has undoubtedly been a challenging period for the girls and their families, but their support has been vital in ensuring Bakatas remains incarcerated.”