An international manhunt is under way for a paedophile who fled the United Kingdom before the conclusion of his trial. Hassan Mahmood, 23, from Bury, Greater Manchester, was found guilty in his absence of four counts of child sexual offences at Manchester Crown Court.
The offences include engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl under 13, causing a child under 13 to watch an image of sexual activity, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13, and engaging in sexual communication with a child. Mahmood absconded on the second day of the trial, prompting police to launch a concerted search.
Detective Constable Shaheen Saleh, from Greater Manchester Police's Child Criminal Exploitation Team, said: “Hassan Mahmood committed this abhorrent crime and has now been found guilty. He has cowardly thought he can evade justice by fleeing the country. Mahmood is only prolonging the inevitable outcome, and we will do all we can to make sure he faces the full consequences of his actions.”
Police have urged anyone with information about Mahmood’s whereabouts to contact them or Crimestoppers anonymously. Detective Constable Saleh added: “We are unwavering in our commitment to protecting children and are offering our full support to the victim and their family during this time.”
The force warned that Mahmood should not be approached, and that he is wanted for serious offences against a child. Enquiries continue across international borders.
