Man from Bolton sentenced to eight years behind bars for sexual offences against a teenager

On Wednesday 22 January 2025 Hasseb Afzal (11/08/1996) appeared at Bolton Crown Court, where he was sentenced to eight years in prison for sexual assault against a woman over the age of 16.

He was also made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), and given a lifetime restraining order against two girls aged 16.  

From May until July 2024, Afzal would pick up the two 16-year-olds in his car and buy them gifts including jewellery and watches. He also gave them alcohol, nitrous oxide and class A drugs. 

On 8 June 2024, Afzal took the victim, a 16-year-old girl, to a pre-booked room at a hotel after giving her money to buy alcohol, where she woke up to him sexually assaulting her by touching her. 

An investigation commenced in June 2024 after the parent of the victim reported the abuse to the police. 

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.”