Man arrested at Manchester Airport after fleeing country during child sex offences trial

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A man has been arrested at Manchester Airport after he previously fled the country while he was on trial for child sexual offences.

Hassan Mahmood, of Gigg Lane in Bury, had been found guilty on four counts of child sexual offences in August – including engaging in sexual communication with a child, and even engaging in ‘penetrative sexual activity’ with a child.

But the 23-year-old fled the country on the second day of the trial.

The trial then continued in his absence, despite the fleeing, and he was subsequently sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison.

Now though, following his arrest at Manchester Airport as he returned to country this week, Mahmood is now awaiting sentencing for the fleeing, and is due to appear at court to begin the formalities of receiving his sentence.

Mahmood’s original conviction and sentencing came following an extensive investigation carried out by the Bury Complex Safeguarding Team.

He was described as being ‘cowardly’ by GMP investigating officers.

“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,” commented Detective Constable Shaheen Saleh, from GMP’s Child Criminal Exploitation Team.

“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.

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“We remain in contact with the victim of this case and have been supporting her throughout the process.”

Further details of Mahmood’s sentencing are set to be announced in due course.

Featured Image – GMP