A 29-year-old Afghan national, Sultani Bakatash, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for the rape of two 14-year-old girls in Bolton, Greater Manchester. The court heard how Bakatash groomed the teenagers via Snapchat and plied them with vodka before assaulting them in his flat on December 6 of the previous year. He was convicted of two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault in July.
Grooming and Assault Details
The court proceedings revealed that Bakatash initially connected with one of the girls on Snapchat after meeting her outside a McDonald’s approximately three months prior to the attacks. He claimed the girl stated she was 18 years old. Bakatash then invited the girl and her friend to his residence. Upon their arrival, he provided them with three bottles of vodka, which they consumed together. Despite his Muslim faith, which he stated precluded him from drinking alcohol, Bakatash admitted to drinking from the vodka bottles during the incident, telling the court, “I think Satan took over me and I had a drink from the bottle.”
The prosecution detailed how the girls became heavily intoxicated, reaching a point where they were unconscious. It was during this state that Bakatash committed the sexual assaults. One girl recalled going to the toilet and subsequently finding herself on Bakatash’s bed, where the assault occurred. The second girl reported being sexually assaulted and raped after attempting to resist his advances.
Aftermath and Investigation
Following the assaults, both girls managed to leave Bakatash’s flat and alerted a neighbor, who then contacted the authorities. Responding officers found the teenagers in a state of extreme distress, exhibiting bruises and abrasions. Bakatash fled the scene but was apprehended two days later at his brother’s residence. The Child Protection Investigation Unit of Greater Manchester Police led the investigation into the incident.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
During the trial, Bakatash initially denied all charges, claiming that any sexual activity with the girls was consensual and that he believed they were adults aged 18 and 19. However, he retracted this defense before the trial commenced. The jury ultimately found him guilty on all counts after hearing the evidence presented, which established that he had raped both girls while they were incapacitated by alcohol.
Sultani Bakatash, who arrived in the UK in 2022 with his mother and two sisters and had been granted indefinite leave to remain, was a former soldier in Afghanistan. His defense attempted to portray him as having fallen asleep before asking the girls to leave due to noise. However, the jury’s verdict underscored the severity of his actions and the impact on the victims.
Official Statements and Public Appeal
Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley, District Commander for Bolton for Greater Manchester Police, commended the survivors for their courage throughout the legal process. “Their unwavering strength and courage has been instrumental in securing this conviction,” Critchley stated. She added that Bakatash had denied his actions and the pain inflicted, showing a “blatant disregard for his actions and the long-term impact this would have on the victims.”
Critchley emphasized the difficulty of the trial for the victims and their families, highlighting that their support was crucial in ensuring Bakatash’s conviction. She concluded with an appeal to the public, urging anyone who has experienced similar abuse to come forward. “You will always be listened to, respected, and supported,” she assured.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Sultani Bakatash to 14 years in prison marks a significant outcome in a case involving the exploitation and sexual assault of minors. The conviction underscores the importance of robust investigations and the bravery of victims in coming forward. Authorities continue to encourage reporting of abuse, promising support and respect for all who do.
