Global hunt for paedophile who fled trial after sexually assaulting girl under 13

An international manhunt has been launched for a ‘cowardly’ paedophile who fled the UK in the middle of his trial.

Hassan Mahmood, 23, was found guilty of sexually assaulting a young girl but escaped the country on the second day in court.

Greater Manchester Police do not know where the criminal, from Bury, is but have said they are ‘determined to find him’.

Mahmood’s trial continued in his absence and he was convicted of four child sexual offences at Manchester Crown Court.

These were 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.

Officers have asked anyone with information about the pedophile’s whereabouts to contact the police or Crimestoppers.

Detective Constable, Shaheen Saleh, from GMP’s Child Criminal Exploitation Team, said: ‘Hassan Mahmood committed this abhorrent crime and has now been found guilty. He has cowardly thought he can evade justice by fleeing the country.

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

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

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