‘Satan Took Over Me’: Afghan Migrant Accused of Raping 2 14-Year-Old Girls in Bolton

An Afghan migrant on trial for rape has claimed he was under the influence of "Satan" when he allegedly assaulted two 14-year-old girls after giving them vodka at his flat in Bolton, the Daily Mail reported.

Sultani Bakatash, 29, is facing multiple charges including rape and s*xual assault. He has pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape and other s*xual offences.

Who Is Sultani Bakatash

Bakatash moved to the UK in 2022 seeking asylum. He told the court he had served in the British military for seven years before arriving in the UK and had fled Afghanistan due to the Taliban's presence.

How He Met The Girls

Bakatash said he had met one of the girls outside a McDonald's after a gym session and later reconnected with her at an Asda store. He claimed he believed the girls were 18 or 19 years old and agreed to buy them food after they asked him for it. Indian-Origin Man Gagandeep Singh Jailed for 34 Years in UK for Kidnap, Torture and Rape of Woman.

He told the court the girls later took an Uber to his flat and were in high spirits during the journey, taking selfies and giggling.

Vodka, 'Satan' And What Happened At The Flat

Bakatash said he bought three bottles of vodka for the girls, insisting he himself did not drink alcohol due to his Muslim faith. UK Man Rapes Sikh Woman After Mistaking Her for Muslim, Says ‘Wanted To Have Fun’.

Once at the flat, the girls began drinking vodka mixed with soft drinks. Bakatash claimed he was swayed by the atmosphere and took a sip from one of the bottles. "I think Satan took over me and I had a drink from the bottle," he said.

He told the court that as the drinking continued, he began to feel dizzy and nauseous. "I felt very bad," he said, adding that he started feeling sleepy.

Bakatash claimed the girls then began "sexy dancing" and kissing, which he joined in before fading in and out of consciousness.

Defence Questions Bakatash On What He Recalls

His barrister, Umar Shahzad, asked Bakatash whether anyone had done anything to him during the incident. He responded, "I can't say."

When asked about his understanding of the girls' actions, Bakatash again said he was unsure, stating, "I was not in myself."

Bakatash maintained that his initial invitation to the girls was driven by a promise to buy them food. He is currently facing trial on charges including rape and s*xual assault.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 26, 2026 10:12 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).