Key Takeaways:
- A 28-year-old Afghan national, Sultani Bakatash, has been charged with raping two 14-year-old girls in a flat in Bolton.
- The suspect had allegedly been in contact with the victims online before meeting them.
- Both girls are being supported by specialist teams while detectives investigate.
- The suspect will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning.
- The police are urging the public not to speculate on the case to allow the legal process to take its proper course.
Introduction to the Incident
A disturbing incident has come to light in Bolton, where a man has been charged with raping two 14-year-old girls in a flat. The Greater Manchester Police received a report of the rape in the early hours of Sunday, 7 December, and quickly sprang into action to investigate the matter. The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Sultani Bakatash, an Afghan national, was arrested and charged with two counts of rape of a girl aged under 16, one count of sexual assault, and one count of assault by penetration.
The Investigation
The police have revealed that Bakatash had allegedly been in contact with the victims online before meeting them, which has raised concerns about the role of online platforms in facilitating such crimes. The force is working to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident and is using all available resources to support the investigation. The two girls are currently being supported by specialist teams, and the police are committed to protecting young girls in Bolton and across Greater Manchester. The Chief Superintendent of the Bolton district, Helen Critchley, has emphasized the importance of supporting the victims and their families during this traumatic time.
The Police Response
The police response to the incident has been swift and decisive, with the suspect being arrested and charged within 48 hours of the report being made. The police are urging the public to support them in their efforts to solve the case and bring the perpetrator to justice. However, they are also cautioning against speculation, which could compromise the legal process and affect the dignity of the victims. The police are committed to protecting the victims and ensuring that they receive the support they need during this difficult time. The case will now proceed to court, where the suspect will face the charges against him.
The Importance of Support
The incident highlights the importance of supporting victims of sexual assault and rape. The two girls involved in this case are being supported by specialist teams, which is crucial in helping them cope with the trauma they have experienced. The police are also working to support the families of the victims, who are likely to be affected by the incident. The community is being urged to come together to support the victims and their families, while also allowing the legal process to take its course. The police are committed to creating a safe environment for young girls in Bolton and across Greater Manchester, and this incident serves as a reminder of the need for continued vigilance and support.
The Court Proceedings
The suspect, Sultani Bakatash, will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning to face the charges against him. The court proceedings will be a crucial step in the legal process, and the police are urging the public to allow the process to take its course without speculation or interference. The dignity of the victims must be maintained, and the legal process must be allowed to run its course without external influence. The police are committed to ensuring that justice is served, and the community is being urged to support them in their efforts to bring the perpetrator to justice.
Conclusion
The incident in Bolton is a disturbing reminder of the need for continued vigilance and support for victims of sexual assault and rape. The police response has been swift and decisive, and the community is being urged to come together to support the victims and their families. The case will now proceed to court, where the suspect will face the charges against him. The police are committed to protecting young girls in Bolton and across Greater Manchester, and this incident serves as a reminder of the need for continued support and vigilance. The community must come together to support the victims and their families, while also allowing the legal process to take its course.