On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, Hasseb Afzal (born August 11, 1996) was sentenced to eight years in prison for sexually assaulting a woman above the age of 16 at Bolton Crown Court.
He was also subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and issued a lifetime restraining order for two 16-year-old girls.
Between May and July 2024, Afzal would transport the two 16-year-olds in his vehicle and purchase them items such as jewels and watches. He also provided them with booze, nitrous oxide, and Class A narcotics.
On 8 June 2024, Afzal escorted the victim, a 16-year-old girl, to a pre-reserved hotel room after providing her with money to purchase drink, where she awoke to him sexually assaulting her through physical contact.
An inquiry began in June 2024 following the victim’s parent notifying the police of the abuse.
Following a thorough investigation, Afzal eventually pleaded guilty to one count of digital penetration, one count of sexual assault by touching, and one count of take/make indecent images of a woman aged 16 or over, on 20 January 2025.
Detective Sergeant Ryan Lovick, of our Bolton district, said: “Afzal preyed upon vulnerable young teenagers, and I am pleased he is now taken off the streets and in prison.
“Sexual abuse can have a lasting detrimental impact for victims and survivors. Thank you to the brave victim and her family for coming forward and reporting this abuse.
“I would like to take this opportunity to encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault, or knows someone who has, to come forward and speak to the police. We will listen to you, and we will work at your pace, when you are ready.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.