A 55-year-old man from Huddersfield has been convicted of eight offences, including five counts of rape, following a trial at Leeds Crown Court. Muhammed Khalid, who fled the UK while under investigation, was arrested at Manchester Airport in April. He is due to be sentenced on 24 November.
A wanted sex offender who fled the UK while under police investigation has been found guilty of eight offences, including multiple rapes committed against a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Muhammed Khalid, 55, from Huddersfield, was convicted following a seven-day trial at Leeds Crown Court.
The offences took place in the Kirklees area between 2003 and 2006 and involved two girls who were teenagers at the time.
Khalid was found guilty of five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault against one survivor.
He was also convicted of two offences of supplying Class A drugs to a second victim in 2005.
He is due to be sentenced on 24 November 2026.
Fled the country during police investigation
West Yorkshire Police confirmed that Khalid had left the UK in 2020 while under investigation.
Officers were conducting a wider inquiry into sexual offences committed in Kirklees during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Despite Khalid leaving the country, detectives continued efforts to locate him.
After numerous enquiries, officers established that he was returning to Britain.
Khalid was arrested at Manchester Airport on 23 April 2026 as he arrived in the UK with his luggage.
He was taken into custody, charged and brought before magistrates in Kirklees the following day.
Eight guilty verdicts at Leeds Crown Court
Following the seven-day trial, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all eight offences described by police.
The convictions comprise five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving one survivor, alongside two counts of supplying Class A drugs to another victim.
The offences occurred more than two decades ago, but detectives continued their investigation and efforts to bring Khalid before the courts.
Police welcome verdict
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Davis, of Kirklees District Police, welcomed the convictions.
He said:
"We welcome the jury’s verdict today in finding Khalid guilty of very serious offences committed against young and very vulnerable victims more than 20 years ago."
DCI Davis described the offending against the teenage survivor as appalling and highlighted the additional convictions involving the supply of Class A drugs.
He also emphasised that the investigation continued after Khalid fled overseas.
"Officers never stopped enquiries to locate Khalid after he fled the country, and arrangements were swiftly put in place with partners to detain him when he arrived back in the UK," he said.
Survivors praised for their courage
West Yorkshire Police praised the survivors for coming forward and helping officers investigate offences committed many years earlier.
DCI Davis said the case demonstrated the force's commitment to pursuing justice in non-recent sexual offence investigations.
He added:
"I want to commend the courage of survivors in this case for speaking with us and disclosing the abuse they suffered."
The detective acknowledged how difficult it can be for victims to report sexual offences, particularly when the incidents occurred many years ago.
He said specially trained detectives investigate such reports and can help victims access appropriate support.
Sentencing scheduled for November
Khalid remains due to be sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on 24 November.
The convictions bring a lengthy investigation to a significant stage after the defendant left the country while officers were pursuing enquiries.
West Yorkshire Police have reiterated that they will continue investigating historic sexual offences and supporting survivors seeking justice.
Source: West Yorkshire Police, October 2026.
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