Afghan migrant jailed for 14 years after raping two 14-year-old schoolgirls

An Afghan migrant has been jailed for 14 years after raping two 14-year-old girls.

Sultani Bakatash, 29, groomed a schoolgirl online and later went on to invite her and her friend to his Bolton flat back in December.

There, he plied both with alcohol and raped them while the pair were unconscious, Bolton Crown Court heard.

Judge Home told Bakatash the jury had "seen through his lies" and a risk remains that he would "get adult women drunk so you can rape them".

As a result, he was handed the Afghan the 14-year prison sentence. He was given another two years on licence.

The sentencing judge added that he cannot contact any child under the age of 16 for 20 years.

He now could be deported. However, the decision would not be made today.

Earlier in the case, the court heard the rapist had been handed indefinite leave to remain after arriving in the UK in 2022.

Five members of his family, including his mother, two brothers and two sisters, were allowed to stay in the UK.

After raping the two unconscious girls, the man fled the property.

Two days later, Greater Manchester Police arrested the child sex offender.

Despite pleading not guilty, Bakatash was found guilty on Friday by a jury and convicted of two counts of rape, one of sexual assault and one of assault by penetration after a four-week trial.

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At the time of his conviction, Chief Supt Helen Critchley, Bolton's district commander for GMP, said: "I would like to thank both survivors for their immense bravery during these proceedings.

"Their unwavering strength and courage has been instrumental in securing this conviction.

"Bakatash denied all counts against him. He denied manipulating, grooming and assaulting both girls.

"He denied the pain and hurt he subjected them to. He showed a blatant disregard for his actions and the long-term impact this would have on the victims – but today a jury rightfully found him guilty on all counts."

She added: "This trial will have been no doubt a difficult time for the girls and their families, and it is only with their support that we have managed to keep Bakatash behind bars.

"I’d also like to thank the CPIU for their hard work and swift actions throughout this investigation, which ensured Bakatash was in our custody within 48 hours of the incident first being reported."

“Our specialist officers will continue to work with the survivors to ensure they are receiving the best support possible.

"No one should ever be subjected to this kind of abuse and my thoughts remain firmly with them as they continue their recovery.

"We hope this outcome sends a clear message that we will relentlessly pursue those who harm vulnerable people."