UUP slams PSNI delay in releasing mugshot of convicted rapist missing since September 24

On the run: Convicted rapist Ahmed Abashar

The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has strongly criticised the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) for taking almost two weeks to issue a photograph of convicted rapist Ahmed Abashar, who failed to appear in court on 24 September to hear a jury deliver a guilty verdict against him.

Abashar, with an address at University Avenue in Belfast, was convicted in his absence of a sex attack that took place in March 2023.

A bench warrant was issued on 30 September after he failed to attend court, yet the PSNI did not release his image to the public until yesterday, Monday 6 October — a delay that has prompted fierce criticism from unionist representatives who say public protection should have come first.

UUP raises alarm over PSNI’s handling of case

Jon Burrows MLA, who has repeatedly pressed for reforms to the PSNI’s image-release policy, said the delay in making Abashar’s photo public showed the need for urgent change.

Speaking on Monday in the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mr Burrows described the case as a “stark example” of the justice system failing to prioritise community safety.

He said the PSNI’s slow response has left victims and the wider public questioning whether existing policies are putting safety at risk.

The Ulster Unionist Party is now urging the Chief Constable to revisit and revise the PSNI’s restrictive image-release policy, arguing that the force’s cautious stance conflicts with national policing guidance, which supports publishing images where it can help locate wanted offenders or raise public awareness.

Police appeal came after public pressure

The PSNI has since launched an appeal for information as part of Operation Relentless, confirming that Abashar is wanted for both failing to appear in court and breaching High Court bail.

Police released a photograph to assist in locating him, and have asked anyone with information to contact officers on 101, quoting reference RM25059578, or to reach out anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

However, the UUP argues that this action came too late. The party maintains that had Abashar’s image been shared immediately after he absconded, the public might have been better equipped to help trace him and reduce risk to others.

‘Put victims and safety first’ — Beattie and Burrows

In a joint statement, Doug Beattie MC MLA, the UUP’s Justice spokesperson, and Jon Burrows MLA said:

“It is vital that images of suspects and defendants are released when appropriate so the public can help track down wanted offenders, and women in particular have knowledge of who is a risk to them in the community.”

They continued:

“It is now time to put public protection and the needs of victims front and centre of everything we do in our justice system; the Ulster Unionist Party will work tirelessly to achieve that.”

Calls grow for PSNI policy reform

The UUP contends that the PSNI’s delay in releasing Abashar’s photo demonstrates the urgent need for transparency and consistency across policing policy.

While recent leadership changes have seen some progress, the party insists that Northern Ireland remains out of step with forces in Great Britain that routinely release images of wanted individuals to protect the public.

Critics argue that overly cautious policies undermine public trust and risk allowing convicted or dangerous individuals to remain at large for longer.

The Abashar case, the UUP says, should serve as a turning point for how the justice system balances privacy with protection.