Key Points
- Sultani Bakatash, a 28-year-old Afghan national, has been charged with the rape of two 14-year-old girls in a flat in Bolton on the early hours of Saturday, 6 December 2025.
- Bakatash appeared at Manchester Magistrates’ Court, where proceedings were conducted via a Dari language interpreter; he was remanded in custody following a brief hearing.
- Court details revealed Bakatash has resided in the UK for two years and holds indefinite leave to remain, with his mother, two brothers, and two sisters also living in the UK.
- Greater Manchester Police (GMP) stated Bakatash had contacted the victims online prior to meeting them in the Middle Hulton area of Bolton.
- Charges include two counts of rape of a girl aged under 16, one count of sexual assault, and one count of assault by penetration; no other suspects are being sought.
- A bail application by Bakatash's solicitor was opposed by prosecutor Gabrielle Bann-Khellaf and refused by bench chairwoman Mary Cash, with the case committed to Bolton Crown Court on 13 January 2026.
- Both victims are receiving support from specialist teams as detectives continue their investigation.
- Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley, Bolton district commander for GMP, described the incident as deeply concerning, emphasising swift police action and a commitment to protecting young girls in the area.
Inverted Pyramid Structure
A 28-year-old Afghan national, Sultani Bakatash, faces serious charges after allegedly raping two 14-year-old girls in a Bolton flat in the early hours of 6 December 2025. He appeared before Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Monday, where he was remanded in custody following a hearing conducted through a Dari interpreter. Greater Manchester Police confirmed the suspect had prior online contact with the victims before the alleged assaults in the Middle Hulton area, and stressed that no further arrests are expected.
Who is Sultani Bakatash and What Charges Does He Face?
Sultani Bakatash, identified as a 28-year-old Afghan national, stands accused of two counts of rape of a girl aged under 16, one count of sexual assault, and one count of assault by penetration. As detailed in court proceedings at Manchester Magistrates’ Court, Bakatash has lived in the UK for two years and has been granted indefinite leave to remain. The court heard that his mother, two brothers, and two sisters also reside in the UK.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) reported that Bakatash was arrested in the early hours of Sunday, 7 December, after officers received a report of rape in the Middle Hulton area of Bolton. According to GMP statements, Bakatash had been in contact with the victims online before arranging to meet them at a flat, where the alleged incidents occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 6 December.
What Happened at Manchester Magistrates’ Court?
Bakatash’s court appearance was brief and conducted via an interpreter for the Dari language, spoken in Afghanistan. His solicitor made a bail application, which prosecutor Gabrielle Bann-Khellaf opposed. Bench chairwoman Mary Cash refused bail, stating to the defendant:
“These are indictable only offences, so we are sending your case to the Crown Court at Bolton on the 13th of January, 2026.”
The hearing underscored the gravity of the charges, with the case escalated directly to Bolton Crown Court due to their indictable nature. Bakatash was remanded in custody pending the next hearing.
How Did Greater Manchester Police Respond to the Incident?
Greater Manchester Police acted swiftly upon receiving the rape report in the Middle Hulton area during the early hours of Sunday, 7 December. Officers arrested Bakatash at the scene and charged him within hours. GMP confirmed they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident.
Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley, Bolton district commander for GMP, said:
“This is a deeply concerning report, and our priority is supporting the two young girls and their families at this traumatic time.”
She added:
“We have acted quickly since this was reported to us in the last 48 hours, and we’ve been using all available resources to understand what has happened and help this case progress through court.”
What Support is Being Provided to the Victims?
Both 14-year-old girls are now being supported by specialist teams, as stated by Greater Manchester Police. This assistance forms a core part of the police response, ensuring the victims receive appropriate care during the ongoing investigation. Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley reiterated GMP’s commitment:
“We remain firmly committed to protecting young girls in Bolton and across Greater Manchester and to help people feel safe in their neighbourhood.”
Why Was Bail Denied and What is the Next Court Date?
The bail refusal stemmed from the seriousness of the offences, described as indictable only. Prosecutor Gabrielle Bann-Khellaf opposed the application, leading bench chairwoman Mary Cash to deny it outright. The case has been committed to Bolton Crown Court, with the next hearing scheduled for 13 January 2026.
This progression aligns with standard procedures for such grave charges, ensuring the matter advances through higher courts capable of handling trials.
What Message Does GMP Have for the Public?
Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley urged public cooperation, stating:
“I ask that the public continue to support us while we do whatever is necessary to support the girls and to get this case solved.”
She emphasised:
“As criminal proceedings are now active, I urge the public not to speculate so that the legal process can take its proper course and the dignity of the girls is maintained.”
GMP’s statement reflects a broader dedication to neighbourhood safety, particularly for vulnerable young people in Bolton and Greater Manchester.
Broader Context of the Case
This incident has drawn attention to online safety for minors, given GMP’s confirmation of prior digital contact between Bakatash and the victims. The force’s rapid response—arrest to charging within 48 hours—highlights operational efficiency in serious sexual offence investigations. As the case moves to Crown Court, focus remains on victim welfare and judicial process integrity.
Bolton, a town in Greater Manchester, has seen various community safety initiatives, but this event underscores ongoing challenges in protecting youth from exploitation. Authorities continue to deploy resources to prevent similar occurrences, aligning with national efforts on child safeguarding.