HERCHARAN ROOPRA, WEMBLEY LANDLORD, FOUND GUILTY OF SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 16-YEAR-OLD TENANT

In March 2016, a Wembley landlord named Hercharan Roopra, aged 65, was convicted of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old female tenant. Roopra, from Burnside Crescent, made improper advances towards the girl, including attempting to kiss her and touching her bottom and breasts over her clothing.

Snaresbrook Crown Court heard that the assault took place after Roopra visited the girl’s family home in Wembley in August of the previous year to ‘discuss the rent.’ Following the assault, the girl was left distressed, and police were called to the scene.

It was also revealed that the girl’s family disliked Roopra, citing discomfort over his manner and appearance during his visits. The court was informed that Roopra’s business success depends on his ability to attend meetings in person, especially after his son, who helps him, was prohibited from driving.

Judge Nigel Peters, QC, sentenced Roopra to six months in prison, suspended for two years. He stated, “The jury convicted you of sexual assault in that, last summer, you sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl when visiting the premises as landlord. She found that very, very distressing, very upsetting. These are very prevalent offences, and it is clear to me that you had an interest in preying on this girl and used these visits to the house as an excuse to look at these young girls.”

Despite his conviction, Roopra maintains his innocence and was acquitted of a second count of sexual assault. As a result of his guilty verdict, he was automatically registered as a sex offender. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £1,250 in costs and £750 in compensation.