SOUTHEND MAN GUILTY OF SEXUALLY ASSAULTING TWO WOMEN
A man has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting two women in Southend.Darban Shahi, 26, of Satanita Road, Westcliff, admitted the two offences at Basildon Crown Court on what should have been the first day of his trial.
Prosecution and defence barristers spent much of the day negotiating over a proposed plea bargain which would have seen him plead instead to common assault charges.
But the Crown Prosecution Service rejected the deal at the last minute.
Shahi, from Nepal, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting one woman in Southend on January 4, 2024, and another woman in Westcliff on January 11, 2024.
Recorder Ben Irwin, sitting as a judge, postponed sentencing for six weeks so the probation service could produce a pre-sentence report.
Shahi entered his pleas after asking for an indication of what his sentence would be.
The offences were of a level that carried a maximum sentence of two years in prison.
Shahi admitted sexual touching without consent.
The judge indicated he was looking at a sentence of under two years’ imprisonment, which could be suspended, and emphasized the importance of honesty and rehabilitation.
His sentencing hearing was set for November 6.
