Overview
- Sultani Bakatash, 28, denied two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration and one count of sexual assault linked to an alleged incident at a Bolton flat on December 6, 2025.
- He appeared via video link from HMP Forest Bank with Dari interpretation, represented by Paul Becker, with prosecutor Harriet Lavin conducting the plea hearing.
- Judge Nicholas Clarke KC remanded Bakatash in custody after no bail application was made.
- A further case management hearing is set for February 12, 2026, and the trial is listed to start on June 8, 2026, with up to five days allocated.
- Greater Manchester Police report the girls are receiving specialist support and urge the public not to speculate, while some pre-trial matters cannot be reported.