Man charged with nine sexual assaults after reports from seven women at Huddersfield campus
A 29-year-old Huddersfield man was due before magistrates on Friday after seven women reported assaults during a 30-minute period on and near the university campus.
By Marina Weber ·
A man has been charged with nine counts of sexual assault following reports that seven women were assaulted on and near the Huddersfield University campus on Tuesday evening. West Yorkshire police said the reported incidents took place within half an hour, between 6pm and 6.30pm.
The force identified the accused as Sophan Akbash, 29, of Huddersfield. Police confirmed the charges on Friday, November 13, and said he was due to appear at Leeds magistrates court that day. The nine charges followed reports involving seven women during the period identified by investigators.
University security staff contacted police on Tuesday evening after receiving reports of a man approaching women and touching them sexually. According to the force, the reported encounters occurred both on the campus itself and in the surrounding area.
Police said the women had got away from the suspect after he approached and grabbed at them. The force's account placed the seven reported assaults between 6pm and 6.30pm, with university security calling officers in response to reports about the man's behaviour.
Earlier in the week, Detective Inspector Sarah Bradley said West Yorkshire police were continuing to work closely with the university to reassure students and staff. She said the force remained committed to supporting victims and safeguarding people who live, study and work in Huddersfield.
The university also outlined its response before the charges were confirmed. Speaking on Wednesday, deputy vice-chancellor Professor Tim Thornton acknowledged the concern caused by incidents of this kind and said wellbeing support was being provided to anyone affected. He described such incidents as “deeply concerning”.
Thornton said the university had increased security patrols around the campus as a precaution. Alongside that measure, he encouraged all members of the university community to use its SafeZone app, which he said gives users direct access to emergency assistance, wellbeing support and the campus support and safety team.
The deputy vice-chancellor said the university remained committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for everyone studying, working or visiting there. His comments set out the university's support arrangements and additional patrols, while Bradley's statement emphasised the continuing work between police and university partners to provide reassurance.
