Sophan Akbash

Introduction

Sophan Akbash, 29, from Huddersfield, has been charged with nine counts of sexual assault after police said a man approached and sexually touched seven women in and around the University of Huddersfield on a single Tuesday evening . West Yorkshire Police said officers were called to the university on Tuesday evening following reports of a man approaching and sexually touching women, and that seven women were separately assaulted in the space of about 30 minutes . Akbash has not yet faced a court verdict on the charges; he is due to appear at Leeds Magistrates’ Court, and the allegations against him are untested .

Background Information

The incidents were reported to West Yorkshire Police on the evening of Tuesday 10 November 2026, with callers describing a man approaching women on and around the Huddersfield campus . The force said that, following an investigation, Akbash — from Huddersfield — was charged with nine counts of sexual assault covering seven alleged victims . The university’s deputy vice-chancellor, Professor Tim Thornton, said the institution was working closely with police and that “the safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and visitors is our highest priority” .

The Controversy or Incident That Led to Their Cancellation

Charged with nine counts of sexual assault; not yet tried.

According to the police account, the reported assaults unfolded in roughly half an hour, with seven women separately approached by the same man . Earlier in the week, Detective Inspector Sarah Bradley of West Yorkshire Police said: “We continue to work closely with our 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” . The charge of nine counts of sexual assault against seven women was announced alongside the court date, with the BBC reporting the case would go before Leeds Magistrates’ Court .

Public Reaction and Consequences

The charges were reported by local and national outlets as a safety story for the university community, with the deputy vice-chancellor’s statement paired with the police investigation update . The police urged reassurance patrols and victim support, and the university confirmed its cooperation with the investigation . No plea has been entered, and no finding of guilt exists against Akbash; the case stands at the charge stage .

Current Status

Akbash is due to appear at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on the nine sexual-assault charges; he remains innocent of them unless and until a court convicts him . Any further development — a first appearance outcome, additional charges, or a trial listing — will be reported by West Yorkshire Police and the courts .

Impact on Their Career/Life

Akbash faces nine counts of sexual assault arising from a single evening’s reported events; if prosecuted and convicted he faces custody and sex-offender registration, but at the charge stage the practical consequences already recorded are his arrest, charging and summons to court .

Sources

• “Man charged over multiple sex assaults at university” — BBC News, 13 November 2026: source