An Afghan national has appeared in court to deny raping two teenage girls.
Sultani Bakatash, 28, is charged with two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration and one count of sexual assault.
These charges relate to an incident said to have taken place at a flat in Bolton, Greater Manchester on December 6, 2025.
It allegedly involved two girls who are both aged 14, who cannot be legally identified due to their age.
Bakatash appeared at Bolton Crown Court via video link from HMP Forest Bank in Salford, with a person present in the courtroom to assist with Dari translation.
Each of the five counts was put to the defendant one by one, with details given for each.
When asked for his pleas on each of the five charges, Bakatash, of Georgina Court, responded he was not guilty.
The court then dealt with several administrative matters which cannot be reported ahead of the trial.
Afghan national appeared in court to deny raping two teenage girls
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PAThe defendant was represented by Paul Becker, while the prosecution was headed by Harriet Lavin.
A previous hearing heard Bakatash arrived in Britain two years ago and had been granted indefinite leave to remain, with his mother, two brothers and two sisters also living in the UK.
The trial has been scheduled to begin on June 8 and is expected to last for five days.
Until then, Judge Nicholas Clarke KC, Honorary Recorder of Bolton, has remanded Bakatash in custody.
The charges relate to an incident said to have taken place at a flat in Bolton
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WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley previously stated: “We’ve been using all available resources to understand what has happened and help this case progress through court.
“We remain firmly committed to protecting young girls in Bolton and across Greater Manchester and to help people feel safe in their neighbourhood.
“As criminal proceedings are now active, I urge the public not to speculate so that the legal process can take its proper course and the dignity of the girls is maintained.”
She also stated the alleged victims were being supported by specialist teams.