Bolton: Former supply teacher charged with sex offences

Abusali Rahman, born 29/08/1989, a British national of Bangladeshi ethnicity from Salford, is remanded in custody after being charged with the following offences: 

• 12 counts of taking an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child (images obtained by upskirting)
• 3 counts of publishing an obscene article (AI-generated sexualised images)
• 3 counts of making indecent photographs/pseudo-photographs of a child (making AI-generated images)
• 1 count of distributing an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child (sharing an upskirting image with another user)
• 1 count of attempting to meet a girl under 16 following sexual grooming (via online chat)
• 1 count of operating equipment beneath the clothing of another without consent (the act of upskirting)

Thirteen girls have been identified, who were aged between 13 and 16 at the time of the alleged offending, at seven high schools in Bury, Bolton and Salford.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) say four girls from two high schools have not yet been identified, and officers are continuing to work directly with those schools. 

The offences are alleged to have taken place between December 2023 and June 2025, and the upskirting charges relate to alleged offending in schools. 

All affected schools and the parents of the 13 identified girls have been informed.

GMP say all necessary safeguarding personnel have been made aware of the investigation, and of the specialist support that they and their partners are offering them throughout this case.

Officers say that if you, as a parent, have not been personally informed, your child has not been identified as a potential victim in this case.

If GMP receive further information relevant to the investigation, then they will sensitively and directly approach impacted schools, like they have done so far, to ensure that parents are informed.

GMP have been in contact with all schools that Mr Rahman has worked at as part of their enquiries.

He has not worked in schools since he was arrested in June 2025 after a concern was raised by a parent about an image of their child in a school uniform being circulated by a social media account.

The discovery of further images prompted an upskirting investigation by the force’s Online Child Abuse Investigation Team (OCAIT).

GMP say a significant amount of specialist and sensitive work has since gone into trying to identify girls on those images. 

Mr Rahman was charged and appeared at Wigan Magistrates’ Court in April 2026.

He has since been remanded in custody and will appear at Bolton Crown Court on Thursday, May 28. 

By law, alleged victims of sexual offences have a lifelong right to anonymity.

The force asks that people respect their privacy and protect the integrity of the case by not speculating or commenting on this case in-person or online.

Detective Chief Superintendent Rebecca McKendrick, head of GMP’s Public Protection Division, said: “I must start by stressing that the parents of the girls identified, and their schools, are being kept informed and supported throughout this process. If you were not aware of this case prior to today, then your child has not been identified as an alleged victim.

“We have been in contact with all schools we know Mr Rahman worked at in the North West since he became a qualified teacher in July 2023.

“No further alleged criminal offences have been identified at this time. The police, schools, the local authorities, safeguarding leads and specialist support services are working closely together throughout this investigation.

“I understand the concern and upset that will come with this news. It is so important that everyone refrains from speculation, as this is an active case where the girls affected have a right to lifelong anonymity, and the defendant has a right to a fair trial.

“The last thing that is needed now is speculation around this case – if you know something, please report it directly to us.”

Anyone who wants to report an offence or has any information on this investigation should contact operation.messina@gmp.police.uk or call 101 quoting Operation Pomerie.

You can also pass details anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Support available

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester, provides a comprehensive and coordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support, as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

We Are Survivors provides specialist trauma-informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape, or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.