Key Points
- Payam Postchi, 36, of Greenway Close, Bury, has been accused of sexually assaulting three women in Bolton.
- One woman was allegedly sexually assaulted by two counts of sexual assault by touching while another woman was allegedly sexually assaulted by one count of sexual assault by touching.
- Mr Postchi has further been accused of one count of sexual assault by touching and one count of assault by penetration against a third woman.
- The alleged incidents took place at a business premises in the Bolton area between 2026.
- Mr Postchi appeared at Bolton Crown Court this week and pleaded not guilty to all charges.
- Trial in this case is scheduled to commence on Tuesday, 30 March 2027 and it will take approximately seven days.
- The judge, Clarke has ordered Mr Postchi to be remanded in custody before the trial commences.
- Greater Manchester Police added that the charges were a result of an investigation of an alleged sexual offences at a business in Bolton.
- Mike Sharples, Detective Chief Inspector added that the victims would receive support during the whole process.
- The allegations are unproven and Mr Postchi should be presumed innocent till proven guilty.
Bury Crime (Manchester Mirror) November 06, 2026 — A 36-year-old personal trainer from Bury has denied sexually assaulting three women and will face trial at Bolton Crown Court early next year.
As reported by the Prestwich and Whitefield Guide, Payam Postchi, of Greenway Close, Bury, appeared before Bolton Crown Court this week ahead of a trial expected to begin in March 2027. He denies all of the sexual offence allegations against him.
Mr Postchi is charged with two counts of sexual assault by touching relating to one woman and one count of sexual assault by touching relating to a second woman. He also denies one count of sexual assault by touching and one count of assault by penetration in relation to a third woman.
The alleged incidents are all said to have taken place in Bolton during 2026. The charges relate to alleged offences said to have occurred at a business in the Bolton area.
When Will The Bolton Trial Begin?
The trial is expected to begin on Tuesday, March 30, 2027, and is anticipated to last for around seven days. As reported by the Bury Times, Judge Clarke set the trial date during this week’s hearing and remanded Mr Postchi into custody.
Olivia Davin, prosecuting, agreed a series of stage dates ahead of the trial. The hearing was described as a plea and trial preparation hearing, with the court arranging the timetable for the case’s progression.
The charges were announced by Greater Manchester Police on September 30, 2026. Mr Postchi made his first court appearance at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court later that day.
What Are The Allegations Against Payam Postchi?
The allegations involve three separate women and four counts in total. Mr Postchi denies two counts of sexual assault by touching against one woman, one count of sexual assault by touching against another woman, and one count of sexual assault by touching and one count of assault by penetration against a third woman.
The court has not heard evidence in the case. No findings of fact have been made, and the reporting of the charges does not establish that any offence occurred.
As reported by The Bolton News, Greater Manchester Police said the charges followed an investigation into alleged sex offences committed at a business in the Bolton area.
What Did Greater Manchester Police Say?
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Sharples, from Greater Manchester Police’s Bolton district, said: “Following an initial investigation by officers, we have secured three charges in relation to alleged sex offences committed at a business in the Bolton area.”
In a statement reported by The Bolton News, Detective Chief Inspector Sharples added that officers understood the nature of the investigation could cause anxiety. He said: “We understand that the nature of this kind of investigation may cause anxiety, but I want to stress that all appropriate work is being completed, with the women involved being supported throughout the process.”
He also reminded the public that criminal proceedings were active and asked people to avoid speculation that could affect the ongoing work.
What Happened At The Latest Court Hearing?
Mr Postchi appeared before Bolton Crown Court this week, where he denied the allegations. The hearing was held ahead of a trial expected to start early next year.
The court set a trial date of March 30, 2027, and agreed procedural stage dates ahead of the hearing. Judge Clarke further remanded Mr Postchi into custody.
The case had previously been listed for a plea and trial preparation hearing at Bolton Crown Court on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
What Happens Next In The Case?
The next major stage is the trial, scheduled to begin at Bolton Crown Court on March 30, 2027. The trial is expected to run for approximately seven days, during which the prosecution and defence will present their cases and the jury will determine the facts.
Until the trial concludes, the allegations remain allegations. Mr Postchi has denied every charge and is presumed innocent unless and until a court finds the charges proved beyond reasonable doubt.
Background Of The Development
Greater Manchester Police announced on September 30, 2026, that Mr Postchi had been charged with one count of sexual assault by penetration and two counts of sexual assault by touching. The force said the charges related to alleged offences involving three women.
Mr Postchi, of Greenway Close, Bury, appeared before Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on the same day the charges were announced. At that stage, no pleas were recorded, and the case was listed for a further hearing before the Crown Court.
The case was subsequently sent to Bolton Crown Court, where Mr Postchi entered not guilty pleas at this week’s hearing. The court has now fixed a trial date and placed the case on the timetable for a seven-day hearing in March 2027.
Prediction: How Could This Affect Local Residents?
For Bolton and Bury residents, the case may increase attention on safeguarding, reporting routes and support services connected to fitness and personal-training settings. The police statement indicates that the women involved are being supported during the investigation and court process.
For local gym users and personal-training clients, the development may prompt greater awareness of professional boundaries, consent and the importance of reporting concerns through appropriate channels. Any discussion of the case should distinguish carefully between allegations, charges and proven findings, because the trial has yet to take place.
For the three women involved, the scheduled trial may mean a prolonged legal process, including preparation for giving evidence and continued contact with police and support services. The outcome will depend on the evidence heard at trial and the jury’s verdict.
