Former supply teacher charged with upskirting pupils in Greater Manchester schools
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emailsSign up to our free breaking news emailsSign up to our free breaking news emailsA former supply teacher has been charged with multiple child sex offences, including upskirting and voyeurism, police have said. Abusali Rahman, from Salford, Greater Manchester, has been remanded in custody after being charged with multiple offences. The 36-year-old was arrested in June 2025 after a parent raised a concern about an image of their child in school uniform being circulated by a social media account, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said. The discovery of further images prompted an upskirting investigation by GMP’s Online Child Abuse Investigation Team (OCAIT).The alleged offences were made against girls aged between 13 and 16 at the time of the incidents. Thirteen girls have been identified at seven high schools in Bury, Bolton and Salford. Four girls from two high schools have still not been identified. GMP said they are continuing to work those schools to identify the girls. A former supply teacher has been charged with multiple child sex offences, Greater Manchester Police have said (Alamy/PA)Greater Manchester Police confirmed that Rahman was charged with: 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 photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child (making AI-generated images) 1 count of distribute an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child (sharing an upskirting image with another user) 1 count of attempting to meet girl under 16 following sexual grooming (via online chat) 1 count of operating equipment beneath clothing of another without consent (the act of upskirting) All affected schools and the parents of the 13 identified girls have been informed. Abusali Rahman was charged after following an upskirting investigation by Greater Manchester Police (PA)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 28 May 2026.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 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.
