A paedophile fled the UK before the end of his trial, sparking an international manhunt. Hassan Mahmood was found guilty of four counts of child sexual offences following four days in court.
However, the 23-year-old from Bury in Manchester fled the UK on the second day in court, and the trial continued in his absence. He is a wanted man and is being actively sought by Greater Manchester Police, who warned: “We don’t know where Mahmood is, but we are determined to find him no matter where he thinks he can hide.” At Manchester Crown Court, Mahmood of Gigg Lane, Bury, was guilty on four counts of child sexual offences, namely engaging in penetrative sexual activity with girl under 13; causing a child under 13 to watch/look at an image of sexual activity; engaging in sexual activity in presence of a child under 13 and engaging in sexual communication with a child.
Anyone with information about Mahmood’s whereabouts should contact the police or Crimestoppers anonymously as efforts to trace him continue.
Det Con, Shaheen Saleh, from GMP’s Child Criminal Exploitation Team, said: “Hassan Mahmood committed this abhorrent crime and has now been found guilty.
“He has cowardly thought he can evade justice by fleeing the country. Mahmood is only prolonging the inevitable outcome, and we will do all we can to make sure he faces the full consequences of his actions.
“We are unwavering in our commitment to protecting children and are offering our full support to the victim and their family during this time.
“Anyone with information should contact the police either online or via 101. You can anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Spot the signs of child exploitation: Going missing for periods of time or regularly returning home late; skipping school or being disruptive in class; appearing with unexplained gifts or possessions that can’t be accounted for; experiencing health problems that may indicate a sexually transmitted infection; having mood swings and changes in temperament; using drugs and/or alcohol; displaying inappropriate sexualised behaviour, such as over-familiarity with strangers, dressing in a sexualised manner or sending sexualised images by mobile phone (“sexting”); increasing their screen time or showing unusual use of online platforms, such as websites, social media, apps or games; they may also show signs of unexplained physical harm, such as bruising and cigarette burns.
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, report it to the police or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.
