Asif Ghafoor Butt

Asif Ghafoor Butt, a 43-year-old man formerly residing in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, was found guilty in his absence of multiple serious sexual offences committed against a 13-year-old girl in the Wakefield area. The conviction came after he fled from authorities in 2016, evading capture despite extensive police efforts both in the UK and abroad.

The offences, which took place prior to 2016, included attempted rape, sexual assault, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, and two additional counts of serious sexual assault. These acts represent grave violations against a vulnerable minor, highlighting the predatory nature of the crimes. Butt, described as Asian, 5ft 6ins tall, and of average build, was sentenced on 24 May 2017 to 11 years' imprisonment at a court hearing where he did not appear.

West Yorkshire Police, specifically Kirklees District Police, have conducted substantial enquiries since 2016 to locate Butt, involving joint investigations with partner agencies in the UK and Pakistan, where he is believed to have travelled at some point. Detective Inspector Angela Francome stated: "Substantial enquiries have been ongoing since 2016 to locate Butt who was convicted in his absence in 2017 of serious sexual offences. Those enquiries have taken place in the UK and in Pakistan and have involved joint investigations with partner agencies. For the sake of his victim we remain determined to find this man and put him back before the courts to face the prison term he was sentenced to in his absence." The force has emphasised that they never give up on cases where individuals have fled justice.

Despite the ongoing manhunt, Butt's whereabouts remain unknown, with police keeping an open mind on his possible locations. This case underscores the challenges in apprehending fugitives wanted for child sex offences and the commitment of law enforcement to seek justice for victims.