Prosecutors have told a jury that a man accused of raping two teenage girls told 'obvious lies', while his defence lawyer argued there was a 'lack of evidence' in the case. Sultani Bakatash, 29, denies five charges relating to two alleged victims, who were both 14 at the time of the alleged offences in December last year. He has pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and sexual assault. The trial is taking place at Bolton Crown Court.
Prosecution's Closing Speech
In her closing speech on July 1, prosecutor Charlotte Rimmer told the jury that the two girls were 'at the heart and centre of this case'. She described them as leaving Bakatash's flat in 'a truly shocking state', adding they were 'distressed, dishevelled, extremely drunk'. Rimmer claimed the girls had no reason 'to make up such awful things about this defendant' and that the jury could be 'absolutely sure' they were telling the truth. She accused Bakatash of not telling the truth about how much alcohol he had consumed, calling his statements 'obvious lies'.
Rimmer alleged that Bakatash 'plied the girls with vodka' at his Georgina Court flat in Bolton before seizing the opportunity to rape and abuse them when they were intoxicated and 'drifting in and out of consciousness'. She also referenced Bakatash's comment that 'Satan took over me' after he drank alcohol, saying: 'That may be the one truthful thing you have heard from him in this trial.'
Defence's Closing Speech
In his closing speech, defence barrister Umar Shahzad reminded the jury that the prosecution must prove the charges, not the defendant. He urged them to 'put out of your mind completely any idea that Mr Bakatash must prove his innocence'. Shahzad noted that even the prosecution accepted that both alleged victims had limited recollection of events. He argued there was 'no medical evidence' linking Bakatash to injuries sustained by the alleged victims. 'The defence position is that there is crucial evidence missing, not because of the defendant, but because of the Crown,' Shahzad said. 'I submit, given the lack of evidence, the only right verdict would be to acquit Mr Sultani Bakatash.'
Bakatash's Testimony
During his evidence, Bakatash, who moved to the UK in 2022 from Afghanistan seeking asylum, told the jury he had met one of the girls three months before the alleged incident outside a McDonald's restaurant. He said he saw her again two weeks later at Asda, and she added him on Snapchat. On the day of the alleged incident, Bakatash said the girl messaged and called him on Snapchat before he met her and the second alleged victim. He described them as 'very happy and laughing' and believed they were 18 or 19. Bakatash said he bought the girls three bottles of vodka but did not drink due to being Muslim, buying himself an energy drink instead. He said one of the girls used his phone to order an Uber to his flat, and during the eight-minute journey they were 'giggling, taking selfies and talking amongst themselves'.
Bakatash claimed the girls said they wanted to see his flat, finish their drinks, and then go to town. He stated they were drinking diet Coke and vodka before he decided to take a swig from the bottle, saying 'Satan took over me'. He alleged the girls then began 'sexy dancing' and 'kissing each other' before he joined in. Bakatash said he felt 'very bad' and like he was 'zooming' in and out, then became 'uncontrollably sleepy'.
Background and Charges
Bakatash, of Georgina Court, Bolton, denies all charges. The jury heard that he had arrived in the UK fleeing the Taliban after serving in the British Army for seven years. The trial continues.
