Man Denies Raping Two 14-Year-Old Girls at Bolton Flat
Sultani Bakatash, 28, stood firm at Bolton Crown Court, denying horrific charges of raping two 14-year-old girls. The Afghan national pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault. The alleged attacks took place at a Bolton flat on 6 December 2025.
Trial Set for June 2026 After Brief Hearing
Bakatash entered his plea via a Dari interpreter during a short hearing by video link from HMP Forest Bank in Salford. The case is scheduled for trial in June 2026. Reporting restrictions remain in place to protect the identities of the teenage victims.
Afghan Man Held in Custody Ahead of Next Hearing
Originally from Afghanistan, Bakatash was arrested the day after the alleged crimes. He has lived in the UK for two years and holds indefinite leave to remain. His family, including his mother, two brothers, and two sisters, also live in the UK.
Judge Nicholas Clarke KC, Honorary Recorder of Bolton, ordered Bakatash to be remanded in custody. He will remain behind bars until a further hearing on 12 February.
