Locations
Gigg Lane, Bury, Greater Manchester, BL9
Description
Hassan Mahmood, a 23-year-old convicted child sex offender, fled the UK from Manchester Airport to Pakistan via Doha, Qatar, on the second day of his trial.
A warrant for his arrest was issued after he was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison in his absence by Manchester Crown Court on August 7, 2025. Greater Manchester Police have released his mugshot to aid in tracking him down.
Mahmood, formerly of Gigg Lane in Bury, was convicted last month of sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl, causing her to watch sexual activity, engaging in sexual activity in her presence, and sexual communication with her. The court heard he knew her age, having started an online relationship with her in January 2022, which became sexualized by February. He sent explicit images and videos, and during one FaceTime call, he performed a sex act. They met three times in person, including an incident in an Openshaw park where he persuaded her to perform a sex act, and other occasions involving kissing and hugging in his father’s car.
Mahmood, who had no prior convictions, became “obsessed” with the girl, declaring his love for her. After her mother discovered their Snapchat messages in May 2022, police were alerted. Following his arrest, Mahmood sent the girl an abusive letter telling her to kill herself for “snitching,” intended to intimidate her, though she was not deterred. The court noted his exploitation of her willingness to communicate for his sexual gratification.
Judge John Potter, sentencing, noted Mahmood’s absence and mental health difficulties raised by the defense. He indicated potential further proceedings for Mahmood’s flight from justice, with the arrest warrant remaining active as his exact whereabouts in Pakistan are unknown.