BOLTON, UK — A 29-year-old man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses against two 14-year-old girls at his flat in Bolton.
Sultani Bakatash was sentenced at Bolton Crown Court on September 17, 2026, following a four-week trial. The court also imposed two years on licence to be served following his release from prison.
Offenses Took Place at Bolton Flat
The offenses occurred on December 6, 2025, at Bakatash’s flat in Georgina Court, Bolton.
The court heard that Bakatash had previously met one of the girls when she was 13 and remained in contact with her through Snapchat. He later invited her and another 14-year-old girl to his home.
According to the prosecution, Bakatash provided the girls with vodka and Coke and encouraged them to continue drinking. Prosecutors said both girls eventually became extremely intoxicated, with one described as drifting in and out of consciousness.
One of the girls was able to leave the property and seek help from a neighbor. She reportedly warned the neighbor that Bakatash was attempting to sexually assault her friend, who remained inside the flat.
Bakatash subsequently left the property. Greater Manchester Police arrested him the following morning at his brother’s home.
Jury Convicts Bakatash
Following the trial, a jury convicted Bakatash of two counts of rape, one count of sexual assault and one count of assault by penetration.
During the proceedings, Bakatash gave different accounts about what happened. Prosecutors told the court that he initially claimed the sexual activity was consensual and that he believed the girls were older. He later maintained that no sexual activity had taken place.
Judge Kenderik Horne rejected his account, describing his denial as a lie. The judge concluded that Bakatash had encouraged the girls to drink to the point that they were unable to resist what he intended to do.
The prosecution characterized his conduct as being driven by sexual gratification without regard for the girls’ wishes.
Possible Deportation After Prison Sentence
The case also raised questions about Bakatash’s immigration status.
The court heard that he has indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom and has lived in Britain for approximately two years. His mother, two brothers and two sisters also live in the country.
His defense lawyer, Umar Shehzad, told the court that Bakatash had previously worked with the British Army in Afghanistan, had been shot, and left Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover in 2021.
Judge Horne indicated that Bakatash could potentially face deportation after serving approximately two-thirds of his custodial sentence. However, the judge also noted that his previous work with the British Army and circumstances surrounding his departure from Afghanistan could be relevant to whether he is ultimately removed from the UK.
No deportation decision was announced as part of the sentencing, meaning any future immigration action would depend on the relevant authorities and legal process.
Restrictions Following Release
In addition to his prison sentence, Bakatash will be subject to sex offender notification requirements.
The court also imposed a 20-year prohibition on contacting children under the age of 16.
The conviction and sentence follow a criminal trial in which the jury considered evidence about the events at the Bolton flat and ultimately found Bakatash guilty of the offenses.
The case highlights the serious consequences of sexual offenses against children and the protections available through the criminal justice system for vulnerable victims.
