Sohan Akbash, 29, has been charged after seven women were separately sexually assaulted in around 30 minutes at and around the University of Huddersfield. West Yorkshire Police said officers were called to the university on Tuesday evening after reports of a man approaching and sexually touching women.
The charge is nine counts of sexual assault. Akbash, from Huddersfield, is due to appear at Leeds Magistrates' Court later, putting the case into the hands of the magistrates at the point where the allegations move from police investigation to court process.
University of Huddersfield response
Prof Tim Thornton said the university was working closely with police. He said: "the safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and visitors is our highest priority". That statement puts students, staff and visitors at the center of the response while the case proceeds.
The reported scale of the allegations is unusual because police say seven women were separately assaulted in a short period. That sequence matters for people using the university because it points to a fast-moving set of incidents in and around the campus, rather than a single isolated report.
West Yorkshire Police investigation
Det Insp Sarah Bradley said police were working closely with partners at the university to provide reassurance to students and staff and remain fully committed to supporting victims and safeguarding those who live, study and work in Huddersfield. Her statement places the investigation alongside a wider safety response for the university community.
Police said the reports made on Tuesday evening led to the investigation that followed. The case now turns on the court appearance later, where Akbash will face the nine-count charge tied to the alleged assaults on seven women.
Leeds Magistrates' Court hearing
For students, staff and visitors, the immediate practical point is that the university says it is working with police while the criminal case advances. Anyone affected by the reports has two named points of contact in the public response: the university, which says safety and wellbeing come first, and West Yorkshire Police, which says it is supporting victims and safeguarding people in Huddersfield.
The next step in the case is Akbash's appearance at Leeds Magistrates' Court later, where the charge will enter the court process.
