News, Manchester
Greater Manchester PoliceA 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.
