Celal Arslan is in prison serving a 20-year sentence plus five years on extended licence after being found guilty of 18 sexual offences against four teenage girls in south Liverpool. The 52-year-old was convicted following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court and sentenced on 20 March 2026. He must also register on the Sex Offender Register for life.
Who Is Celal Arslan?
Celal Arslan, 52, lived at Ditton Drive in Halewood, south Liverpool. He was not a public figure before his arrest and came to public attention solely through the police investigation into his offending. He was charged by Merseyside Police in July 2025 following a major investigation into serious sexual offences committed against minors at an address in south Liverpool. He stood trial at Liverpool Crown Court and was found guilty by a jury following a full trial. His case attracted national attention both because of the severity of the offences and the number of young victims involved.
Why Is Celal Arslan in Prison?
Celal Arslan is in prison for committing 18 serious sexual offences against four teenage girls. He was convicted of 15 counts of sexual assault, two counts of attempted rape, and one count of rape. The offences took place at an address in south Liverpool and targeted multiple young victims. The case involved a sustained pattern of sexual abuse rather than an isolated incident, which was reflected in the severity of the sentence handed down at Liverpool Crown Court in March 2026.
The Offences Against Teenage Girls
The investigation by Merseyside Police centred on reports of serious sexual offences against four teenage girls at a private address in south Liverpool. The victims, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were subjected to a range of serious sexual crimes. Prosecutors presented evidence of 18 separate offences spanning the four victims, demonstrating a deliberate and repeated pattern of predatory behaviour. The jury convicted Arslan on all counts after a full trial. Sentencing Judge at Liverpool Crown Court took into account the number of victims, the young ages of those involved, and the serious nature of the offences when determining the appropriate sentence.
The Police Investigation
Merseyside Police launched their investigation following disclosures from the victims. The case was investigated by detectives from the Serious Crime Unit and involved careful gathering of evidence before Arslan was charged in July 2025 with nine counts of sexual assault and two counts of rape, with further charges added as the investigation progressed. He appeared at court for a preliminary hearing shortly after being charged. The trial concluded with his conviction on all counts. Following the verdict, Merseyside Police issued a statement praising the bravery of the victims in coming forward and assisting the investigation. The force emphasised its commitment to pursuing all reports of serious sexual offences.
Celal Arslan Sentence Explained
On 20 March 2026 at Liverpool Crown Court, Celal Arslan was sentenced to 20 years in prison plus five years on extended licence. The extended licence period means that when he is eventually released — after serving the custodial portion of his sentence — he will remain under strict supervision by the Probation Service for a further five years. Any breach of his licence conditions could result in recall to custody. He was also placed on the Sex Offender Register for life, which means he must notify police of his whereabouts, travel, and any changes in his circumstances indefinitely. Families of victims who wish to track progress of the case can use the prisoner location service to confirm which prison holds Arslan. For those who need to book a visit to a prisoner, guidance is available on the process. The extended sentence reflects the court’s view that Arslan poses an ongoing risk to the public, particularly to young people, and that additional supervision beyond the standard release arrangements is warranted. Under the Parole Board system, his eventual release will be subject to risk assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Celal Arslan do?
Celal Arslan committed 18 serious sexual offences against four teenage girls in south Liverpool. He was convicted of 15 counts of sexual assault, two counts of attempted rape, and one count of rape. The offences took place at an address in the south of the city and involved multiple young victims over the course of the investigation period.
How long is Celal Arslan prison sentence?
Celal Arslan was sentenced to 20 years in prison plus five years on extended licence at Liverpool Crown Court on 20 March 2026. He must also remain on the Sex Offender Register for life. The extended licence means he will be supervised by the Probation Service after his release for an additional five-year period.
Was Celal Arslan found guilty?
Yes. Celal Arslan was found guilty by a jury following a full trial at Liverpool Crown Court. He was convicted on all 18 counts, comprising 15 counts of sexual assault, two counts of attempted rape, and one count of rape. He was subsequently sentenced on 20 March 2026.
Where is Celal Arslan in prison?
The Prison Service does not publicly confirm the specific institution where an individual is held. Celal Arslan is serving his sentence in the male prison estate in England. Family members or approved contacts can use official channels or the prisoner location service to confirm his current location.
How many victims did Celal Arslan have?
Celal Arslan was convicted of offences against four teenage girl victims. The 18 offences across the four victims indicated a sustained pattern of predatory sexual behaviour. All four victims were teenage girls in south Liverpool. The victims cannot be identified for legal reasons.
