Pakistani paedophile Hassan Mahmood, 23, wanted after fleeing UK during trial found guilty in his absence of four counts of child sexual offences gets 5 years waiting for his return.

January 7, 2026 NF General Groomer, Paedophile, Sexual Activity With a Child 0

12 August 2025

A paedophile is wanted by police after fleeing the country on the second day of his trial accused of sexually assaulting a child.

Hassan Mahmood was on trial at Manchester Crown Court charged with attacking a girl under the age of 13 when he fled on 16 July.

Greater Manchester Police have launched a search to find the 23-year-old, from Bury, with officers “determined to find him”.

The trial was completed in his absence and Mahmood was found guilty of several offences relating to the girl and sentenced to five-and-a-half years in jail.

Det Con Shaheen Saleh said his offending was “abhorrent” and he had “cowardly thought he can evade justice by fleeing the country”.

“He is only prolonging the inevitable outcome, and we will do all we can to make sure he faces the full consequences of his actions,” he continued.

“We are unwavering in our commitment to protecting children and are offering our full support to the victim and their family during this time.”

Mahmood had been released on court bail at the time and was not in police custody.

Anyone with information has been urged to contact police.

A pakistani 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.