A 23-year-old student police officer has appeared in court accused of rape and kidnap. Mohammad Hassan, who is serving with Greater Manchester Police (GMP), stood in the dock in custody at Stockport Magistrates’ Court, flanked by two security guards.
Court Appearance and Charges
Hassan, wearing a grey sweatshirt and jogging bottoms, spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth. Ewan Cooper, prosecuting, told the court about the alleged incident involving a woman in her 20s on Saturday evening. GMP said the incident ended with a police pursuit on the M62 in West Yorkshire.
Hassan, who has been suspended by the force, has been charged with oral rape, kidnap, strangulation, sexual assault, theft of a mobile phone and dangerous driving. No pleas were entered by the defendant and there was no application for bail at the hearing on Tuesday, which lasted just over five minutes.
Remand and Next Hearing
District Judge James Hulse told the defendant the rape and kidnap allegations could only be dealt with at a higher, crown court, and as the other alleged offences are linked to those, he was remanded into custody for a further hearing at Manchester Crown Court on September 15.
Police Response
After being charged, Assistant Chief Constable Mark Dexter said: "GMP detectives and staff have been working on this investigation throughout the last 48 hours. The victim is our priority, and we are ensuring she continues to receive specialist support. Criminal proceedings must now take its course without interference. I understand and share the feeling among the public and our thousands of hard-working, decent staff who will have seen this news. Proceedings are under way and necessary action will be decisively taken within the regulations."
A woman was safeguarded at the scene and continues to be supported by specialist officers and support services, the force said.
