Man charged over sexual assaults on and near Huddersfield University campus

A 29-year-old man from Huddersfield, Sophan Akbash, has been charged with nine counts of sexual assault in connection with incidents on the campus of the University of Huddersfield, in West Yorkshire, England. The Guardian reported the charges on 13 November 2026. Being charged means he has been formally accused of the offences.

Seven women reported being sexually assaulted on and near the campus within a 30-minute period. The incidents were reported to have taken place between 6pm and 6.30pm on Tuesday.

West Yorkshire Police said security staff called officers to the university on Tuesday evening after reports of a man approaching women and sexually touching them.

Akbash is scheduled to appear at Leeds Magistrates' Court on Friday. Magistrates' courts are the lower criminal courts in England and Wales, where most cases begin and where many are dealt with.

The University of Huddersfield has increased security patrols around the campus following the incidents.