Celal Arslan is in prison because he was found guilty of 18 sexual offences against four teenage girls in south Liverpool between 2022 and 2024. On 20 March 2026, Celal Arslan, 52, was sentenced to 20 years in prison plus five years on extended licence at Liverpool Crown Court, and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Who Is Celal Arslan?

Celal Arslan is a 52-year-old man who was living at Ditton Drive in Halewood, Merseyside, at the time of his arrest. He had no significant public profile before the emergence of the criminal case against him, but investigators from Merseyside Police described him in stark terms following the conclusion of the trial — as a predatory individual who deliberately targeted vulnerable young women over a sustained period.

His case forms part of a broader pattern of concern about adult men who exploit positions of access to target teenagers. Arslan had access to teenage girls through premises in the south Liverpool area, and prosecutors demonstrated that the abuse was not opportunistic but systematic, spanning multiple victims and occurring over approximately two years.

The Offences Against Teenage Girls

Between 2022 and 2024, Celal Arslan carried out 18 sexual offences against four separate teenage victims at premises in south Liverpool. The offences included 15 counts of sexual assault, two counts of attempted rape, and one count of rape. All four victims were teenagers, and the evidence presented at trial indicated that Arslan had exploited access he had to them through a premises in the south Liverpool area.

The range and number of offences — 18 in total across four victims — reflects the sustained and predatory nature of Arslan’s behaviour. The offending spanned two years, during which time none of the victims had come forward, likely due to the fear, shame, and trauma that often prevents victims of sexual abuse from reporting their experiences. Investigators praised the courage of the four young women who eventually came forward and provided the evidence that led to Arslan’s prosecution.

The Police Investigation

Merseyside Police launched a serious investigation after reports of sexual offences against teenagers in south Liverpool were received. The case was led by Detective Constable Nikki Brown, who described Arslan as a sexual predator who targeted vulnerable teenagers. The investigation involved gathering testimony from four separate victims, coordinating forensic and witness evidence, and building a case strong enough to bring to trial.

Arslan was charged with multiple sexual offences in July 2025, including counts of sexual assault and rape. The investigation was complex given the number of victims and the extended time period during which the offending occurred. The strength of the evidence gathered by Merseyside Police resulted in a successful prosecution, with Arslan being convicted of all charges at trial.

Trial and Conviction

Celal Arslan stood trial at Liverpool Crown Court, where he denied all charges. The jury heard evidence from the four teenage victims as well as from investigators and forensic witnesses. Despite Arslan’s denials, the jury found him guilty of all 18 sexual offences — a comprehensive verdict that reflected the totality of the evidence presented by the prosecution.

The conviction was welcomed by Merseyside Police, the Crown Prosecution Service, and the victims and their families. Convictions of this scale — 18 offences across four victims — are relatively rare and demonstrate the challenges that sexual abuse survivors often face in coming forward, as well as the determination of investigators and prosecutors when they do.

Sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court

On 20 March 2026, Celal Arslan appeared at Liverpool Crown Court for sentencing. The judge imposed a sentence of 20 years imprisonment, together with an extended licence period of five years. This means that even after serving his custodial sentence, Arslan will remain subject to strict supervision in the community for a further five years under the terms of his extended licence.

In addition to the custodial sentence, Arslan was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life. This means he will be required to notify police of his address and any changes to his personal circumstances indefinitely following any eventual release. The combination of a 20-year sentence, extended licence, and lifetime registration reflects the seriousness with which the court viewed his offending.

Victims of sexual offences in the UK can seek support through specialist organisations. For those with a family member in custody, information about sending money to a prisoner and booking a prison visit is available on this site. Information about the Sex Offenders Register in the UK is also available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Celal Arslan in prison?

Celal Arslan is in prison because he was convicted of 18 sexual offences against four teenage girls in south Liverpool between 2022 and 2024. The offences included 15 counts of sexual assault, two counts of attempted rape, and one count of rape. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison plus five years extended licence at Liverpool Crown Court on 20 March 2026.

How many victims did Celal Arslan have?

Celal Arslan had four victims, all of whom were teenage girls in south Liverpool. He committed a total of 18 sexual offences against the four young women over a period spanning 2022 to 2024. Investigators from Merseyside Police described him as a predatory offender who deliberately targeted vulnerable teenagers.

What sentence did Celal Arslan receive?

Celal Arslan was sentenced to 20 years in prison with an additional five years on extended licence at Liverpool Crown Court on 20 March 2026. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life, meaning he will be required to notify police of his whereabouts and personal details indefinitely following any eventual release from prison.

Is Celal Arslan on the Sex Offenders Register?

Yes. As part of his sentence at Liverpool Crown Court, Celal Arslan was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life. This is the most severe form of registration available in England and Wales and means he will be subject to lifelong notification requirements to police regarding his address and other personal details after any eventual release from custody.

Which police force investigated Celal Arslan?

Celal Arslan was investigated by Merseyside Police following reports of sexual offences against teenagers in south Liverpool. The investigation was led by Detective Constable Nikki Brown. Arslan was charged in July 2025 and subsequently convicted of all 18 offences at trial at Liverpool Crown Court, with sentencing taking place on 20 March 2026.