Sultani Bakatash: Afghan National Convicted of Online Grooming & Rape of Two Teenagers in Bolton

A 29-year-old Afghan national who used Snapchat to groom a 14-year-old girl before luring her and a friend to his flat and raping them while they were unconscious has been convicted of a series of grave sexual offences at Bolton Crown Court.

Sultani Bakatash, of Georgina Court, Bolton, was found guilty by a jury of two counts of rape of a girl under 16, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault following a four-week trial.

The sexual offences conviction followed a swift police operation in the Deane area of the town in December last year.

The court heard that on Saturday, 6 December 2025, Bakatash targeted the vulnerable teenagers via social media under false pretences, convincing them to meet him at his property.

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The court heard that on Saturday, 6 December 2025, Bakatash targeted the vulnerable teenagers via social media under false pretences, convincing them to meet him at his property.

Once inside the flat, he systematically plied both victims with alcohol until they were drifting in and out of consciousness.

The prosecution proved that Bakatash then assaulted the girls, who were already legally incapable of consent due to being under the age of 16, while they were completely incapacitated and unable to resist.

After the victims regained consciousness and managed to escape the premises to seek assistance, Greater Manchester Police’s Child Protection Investigation Unit launched an immediate inquiry. Bakatash fled his home address to evade arrest but was located by officers in the early hours of Sunday, 7 December 2025, at his brother's house. Following his arrest, he made no comment during formal police interviews, though he later submitted a prepared statement to detectives falsely claiming the victims had stated they were aged 19 and "nearly 18" and that all sexual activity had been consensual.

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Bakatash maintained his innocence throughout the trial, forcing the complications of a full prosecution, but he was convicted on all counts. Jo Service, representing the Crown Prosecution Service, highlighted the predatory nature of the pre-planned attack during the proceedings.

"In this deeply concerning case, Sultani Bakatash subjected two teenage girls to a frightening sexual ordeal," the prosecutor said. "He plied the girls with alcohol before raping and sexually assaulting them when they were too intoxicated to resist. In pursuit of his own sexual gratification, he gave no thought to the lifelong harm the abuse could have on his victims."

Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley, District Commander for Bolton, praised the resolve of the complainants in securing the Bolton Crown Court trial outcome.

"Bakatash denied all counts against him," Chief Superintendent Critchley said. "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. 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."

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Following the return of the unanimous guilty verdicts, the trial judge remanded Bakatash in custody. He will remain detained until his scheduled sentencing hearing at the same court on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, pending the preparation of pre-sentence reports.