Ahmed Abashar: Police issue appeal for missing man who failed to appear at court

The PSNI remains the only UK police force that does not routinely issue mugshots of convicted offenders

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Police have issued an appeal to help find a man who failed to appear at court.

Ahmed Abashar, with an address of University Avenue in Belfast, failed to appear in court on September 24 to hear a jury find him guilty of a sex attack which took place in March 2023. The jury delivered a guilty verdict in his absence.

The PSNI shared his image on social media on Monday evening amid calls for police to do more to identify wanted criminals on the run from justice as his mugshot had not been shared previously.

A PSNI spokesperson said: "This is Ahmed Abashar. A bench warrant has been issued for him on Tuesday, 30th September when he failed to appear at court. He is also wanted in relation to breach of High Court bail.

"Please share this post to help us find him. If you know where he is, please get in touch immediately. DO NOT leave a public comment with information on his whereabouts.

"Call 101 or phone the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111. The Op Relentless reference number is RM25059578. Thank you."

When asked earlier this year by Belfast Live, the PSNI said they do not release mugshots of certain convicted offenders on the grounds they did "not serve a policing purpose."

A spokesperson added: "The Police Service of Northern Ireland’s policy on the release of custody images is being reviewed and this review is ongoing."

The PSNI said that it would be starting a review of its mugshot policy on April 11, 2024, yet more than a year later the review is still ongoing and it remains the only UK police force that does not routinely issue mugshots of convicted offenders.

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