Man accused of raping two girls, 14, appears in court

A man accused of raping two 14-year-old girls has appeared in court.

Sultani Bakatash, 28, appeared at Bolton Crown Court via video link earlier accused of the offences in the Greater Manchester town.

Bakatash did not enter a plea.

Judge Clarke KC adjourned the hearing for a plea and trial preparation hearing on 28 January. He also set a provisional trial date of 8 June.

Bakatash, an Afghan national, of Georgina Court, Bolton, was arrested on 7 December.

He is charged with two counts of rape of a girl aged under 16, and three other charges of sexual assault.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.