06/05/2022
Ilyas Akhtar, (05/10/1973), of Woodlands Road, Manchester, was today (6 May 2022), sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty at trial of six counts of indecent assault.
During the trial at Bolton Crown Court , the jury heard how the victim in the case, who was around five years old at the time that the offences occurred, reported Akhtar to police in 2019 after disclosing to her partner what had happened when she was younger.
Akhtar was around 14 years old when he began sexually touching the victim on a regular basis at his house and another address, which carried on until the victim was 10 years old.
Akhtar was arrested on 10 March 2019 and later pleaded not guilty to the offences.
Detective Constable Sarah Austin, of GMPs North Manchester district CID, said: “I’d like to thank the victim in this case for her immense bravery in deciding to come forward and support an investigation into Akhtar after all those years.
“The effect that sexual abuse can have upon a victim can be devastating and we need to make sure that anyone who commits these acts faces justice. I hope this sentence comes as some comfort and closure.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to remind any victims of sexual abuse who have not yet come forward, that we can help you, no matter how long ago the offences happened, we will do all we can to support you”.
Greater Manchester Victims’ Services provide emotional and practical support to anyone affected by crime and are a confidential service. The service can be contacted by visiting the website on www.gmvictims.org.uk or calling 0161 200 1950.
Greater Manchester is nationally recognised as a model of good practice in terms of support services available to victims.
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.
- Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. We offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by telephoning 0161 276 6515.
- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call us on 0161 273 4500 or email us at help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk
- Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to boys and men in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.