Sultani Bakatash, 29, has been found guilty of raping two 14-year-old girls after plying them with alcohol at his flat in Bolton. The conviction was delivered on July 3, 2026, at Bolton Crown Court following a four-week trial.
Snapchat Grooming and Attack
Bakatash groomed one of the teenagers on Snapchat before inviting her and a friend to his flat in Georgina Court, Bolton, on December 6, 2025. There, he provided both girls with alcohol, including vodka, and raped them while they were unconscious, the court heard.
After the assaults, Bakatash fled the property but was arrested two days later by Greater Manchester Police (GMP). The Child Protection Investigation Unit launched an investigation, revealing that Bakatash had lured the girls to his address under false pretences.
Guilty Verdict
Bakatash, originally from Afghanistan, had been in the UK for two years and had been granted indefinite leave to remain. His mother, two brothers, and two sisters also live in the UK. He denied the offences but was found guilty by a jury of two counts of rape, one count of sexual assault, and one count of assault by penetration.
Detective Constable Gareth Jones of GMP's Child Protection Investigation Unit said: 'Bakatash is a predatory individual who targeted vulnerable young girls. I am pleased the jury saw through his lies and he now faces a significant prison sentence.'
Impact and Sentencing
The victims have been supported by specialist officers throughout the investigation. Bakatash is due to be sentenced at a later date. The case highlights the dangers of online grooming and the importance of safeguarding children from sexual exploitation.
