ARDIAN LACI FROM HOUNSLOW JAILED FOR PARK ATTACKS ON TEENAGE GIRLS

In April 2004, Ardian Laci, a 19-year-old Albanian refugee residing in Hounslow, was sentenced to 18 months in prison after being convicted of molesting two teenage girls in Inwood Park. The court also ordered him to register as a sex offender for the next ten years. Despite the severity of his actions, the judge at Isleworth Crown Court, Judge Andrew McDowall, did not recommend deportation. The judge remarked, "The ultimate decision is with the Home Office and I am persuaded that they know how you have been behaving since your arrival and that may affect their decision and I am not saying I am in favour of your being allowed to remain in this country."

Ardian Laci, who lost most of his family in Albania, holds indefinite leave to remain in the UK until October 2005. At the time of his trial, he was living on benefits and was in line for council accommodation. His current residence was a bail address in Silverline Street, North Woolwich. Laci denied the charges of indecent assault against two 14-year-old girls, which allegedly occurred in Inwood Park on May 15 of the previous year.

The two girls, whose identities are protected for legal reasons, provided evidence via video-link. They testified that they had gone to the park after school and noticed a group of youths, described as either Kosovans or Albanians. One of the girls recognized one of the youths as a boy named Zan, and she identified Laci as a boy who had previously tried to speak to her on the local High Street.

According to prosecutor Alison Robins, the incident unfolded as follows: The two girls approached the park, where the defendant repeatedly asked one of them for a kiss. She initially refused but eventually gave him a peck on the cheek. The defendant then dragged her towards some nearby bushes, lifted her, and placed her on the ground. He then positioned himself on top of her and touched her breasts under her clothing. The assault caused a bruise on her neck, and as she attempted to escape with her friend, Laci also grabbed the breast of the other girl.

Two women walking their dogs in the park witnessed the incident and waited with the girls until police arrived. The police responded to the scene but did not arrest Laci immediately. He was apprehended a month later after the first girl saw him in Hounslow and contacted the authorities. Laci denied involvement, claiming mistaken identity, but both girls identified him during an identity parade.

In sentencing, Judge McDowall emphasized the seriousness of the offences. He stated, "I note that you still deny the offences and I therefore have to sentence you on the basis that although there are many worse cases than this, it is still a very serious matter and one that can only be met with a custodial sentence." The judge acknowledged that the assault on the first girl was more severe but considered both incidents as part of a single pattern of very bad behaviour involving two victims.