A man who was found guilty of four child sexual offences has been labelled "cowardly" after fleeing the country during his criminal trial.

Hassan Mahmoud, 23, was said to have made the journey to Pakistan on the second day of a four-day trial at Manchester Crown Court.

Mahmoud was found guilty of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with girl under 13, causing a child under 13 to watch or look at an image of sexual activity, engaging in sexual activity in presence of a child under 13 and engaging in sexual communication with a child.

The charges followed an extensive investigation carried out by the Bury Complex Safeguarding Team.

According to Greater Manchester Police, Mahmood, of Gigg Lane in Bury, fled the country on the second day of his trial.

However, the trial at Manchester Crown Court continued in his absence.

Police said he is a wanted man and is actively being searched for by Greater Manchester officers.

"We don't know where Mahmood is," Greater Manchester Police said.

Hassan Mahmood has fled the country

Manchester Crown Court | PA

"(He) has now been found guilty," Saleh said.

"He has cowardly thought he can evade justice by fleeing the country."

Saleh added that Mahmood was "only prolonging the inevitable outcome".

"We will do all we can to make sure he faces the full consequences of his actions," he said.

Gigg Lane, Bury

"We are unwavering in our commitment to protecting children."

Saleh said Greater Manchester Police was "offering our full support to the victim and their family during this time".

“Anyone with information should contact the police either online or via 101," he added.

"You can anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

A general view of the airport from Manchester Airport (stock pic) | PA

However, the court was also told that Mahmoud had flown from Manchester Airport to Doha in Qatar.

During his absence, the 23-year-old was sentenced to five-and-a-half years behind bars.

Judge Potter said: "It may well be that there will be other proceedings against you over making yourself absent from the proceedings.

"On the second day of the trial you fled the jurisdiction by flying from Manchester to Doha and you have not returned. I am told that you are currently in Pakistan."