A man convicted of child sex offences after absconding mid-trial is now in custody and will begin a five-and-a-half year prison sentence.
A convicted sex offender who fled the country during his trial has been arrested at Manchester Airport after returning to the UK.
Hassan Mahmood, 23, of Gigg Lane in Bury, was detained on arrival on the evening of Sunday 29 September and is now set to begin serving a five-and-a-half year prison sentence handed down in his absence earlier this year.
In August, Mahmood was found guilty of four serious child sex offences following an investigation by the Bury Complex Safeguarding Team. The charges included:
- Engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child
- Causing a child to watch or look at sexual activity
- Engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child
- Engaging in sexual communication with a child
Mahmood had fled the country on the second day of his trial, prompting the proceedings to continue without him. The court went on to convict and sentence him despite his absence.
His arrest came as he landed back in the UK. He is expected to appear in court imminently to begin the formal process of starting his sentence.
Detective Constable Shaheen Saleh, from the Child Criminal Exploitation Team, said:
“Mahmood cowardly left the country to evade punishment for his vile crimes, and I am glad he will now be behind bars where he belongs.
“We are committed to locking up those responsible for child sexual offences, and we will always ensure that they are brought to justice, no matter where they try to hide.
“We remain in contact with the victim of this case and have been supporting her throughout the process.”
Support is available for victims of sexual violence
Authorities are urging anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted to seek help and support. Reporting incidents to the police or a support agency can be the first step in receiving the care victims need.
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