Creep who sexually assaulted 14-year-old girl at Abbey Wood station avoids prison

A man named Iqbal Chand from Nuxley Road in Belvedere was seen leaving court after being given a suspended sentence following his guilty plea to two counts of sexual assault. The 31-year-old was convicted of grabbing a 14-year-old girl’s bottom twice. Prosecutor Claire Langevad explained that the victim was traveling on an Elizabeth Line train with her nine-year-old sister when she noticed Chand staring at her. According to the court, as she prepared to disembark, Chand stood behind her and touched her bottom. Despite the girl and her sister entering a lift and heading to another, Chand followed them and was waiting at the top. He then entered the second lift and again grabbed her bottom, this time more forcefully. The incident occurred around 5pm on July 15, and Chand was later arrested at Swiss Cottage Station. A victim impact statement highlighted that the girl is now frightened to travel by train and cannot understand his actions. Defence lawyer Peter Bedingfield stated Chand is very remorseful and speculated that his behaviour might be due to low self-esteem linked to family issues. Judge Freya Newbery described Chand's actions as out of character and emphasized his clean record and caring responsibilities. She handed him a nine-month jail sentence, suspended for one year, and ordered him to attend rehabilitation and complete 120 hours of unpaid work. Chand is also subject to a five-year sexual harm prevention order. The court noted his potential for rehabilitation and the hardship his incarceration could cause his family, especially his wife and young daughter.