GURPREET SAHOTA JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN CHESTER CITY CENTRE

A man has been sentenced to prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting a woman in the heart of Chester. Gurpreet Sahota, aged 30 and of no fixed address, was found guilty of one count of sexual assault following a trial at Chester Crown Court that concluded earlier today, Thursday 12 June.

According to court proceedings, the incident occurred shortly after 2am on Sunday, 8 December 2024. The victim, a 22-year-old woman, was walking home alone after completing her shift at work. As she approached the Fountains Roundabout, she was unexpectedly approached by Sahota, who told her, “You shouldn’t walk home alone.” Despite her attempts to reassure him that she was fine, Sahota persisted in following her as she descended the ramp into the subway.

It was during this encounter that Sahota inappropriately touched the victim. He placed his hand down her trousers and made unwanted physical contact. The woman initially froze in shock but quickly regained her composure and managed to escape the scene, seeking help from two passers-by. Sahota then walked away from the scene, leaving the victim distressed and shaken.

The incident was promptly reported to Cheshire Police, prompting an investigation led by detectives from Chester CID. Through meticulous inquiries, which included extensive analysis of CCTV footage and mobile phone data, authorities identified Sahota as the suspect. He was subsequently arrested at a nearby pub where he had been staying while working as a decorator.

During police interviews, Sahota admitted to being the individual seen in the CCTV footage but denied any physical contact with the victim. He claimed that he maintained a safe distance of approximately 60 centimeters from her during the incident.

Following his conviction, Detective Constable Barbara Billington expressed her thoughts on the case. She praised the bravery of the victim throughout the investigation and court proceedings, emphasizing that everyone has the right to feel safe in public spaces. She stated, “Nobody should have to experience what the victim has been through, and I hope that the conclusion of this case will provide her with some closure and help her recover from what she has been through.”

Detective Billington also highlighted the efforts of the police in tracking down Sahota, noting that he had no prior links to Chester. The investigation involved reviewing large amounts of CCTV footage to trace his movements, which ultimately led to his arrest. She commended the dedication of the officers involved and acknowledged the victim’s courage and perseverance in seeing justice served.

Sahota was sentenced to 18 months in prison and will be required to sign the sex offenders register for a period of 10 years. His actions have now been formally addressed by the justice system, bringing a measure of accountability for the distress caused to the victim in Chester.