DRUNKEN OFFENDER JAILED FOR SEXUALLY ASSAULTING 10-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN HANLEY
Jalil Mirwais, accused of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl in Hanley, approached her while she was out with family members and engaged in inappropriate conduct.He bent down and kissed her thigh, then shortly afterward kissed her on the right cheek.
Although the entire episode lasted only seconds, it was considered an unwelcome invasion of her personal space.
Prosecutor Darron Whitehead recounted the incident: "He was drunk.
He initially approached her sister's boyfriend in what seemed like a threatening manner, but the attitude shifted rapidly to being friendly.
He then came towards the girl, complimented her, and asked for a kiss.
He bent down and moved his face toward her groin area before kissing her thigh over her clothing, and then her right cheek in a few seconds." After the incident, Mirwais persisted in disruptive behavior at a nearby kebab shop, leading to police intervention.
The girl, traumatized by the ordeal, expressed her feelings: "I have cried, felt very angry, and been very sad.
My family is getting support, and I am waiting for counseling.
It has changed me—I used to be happy, but now I often feel sad.
I hope I can be happy again someday." Despite being bailed, Mirwais was later seen acting suspiciously in Newcastle that same evening.
A police search uncovered a knife wrapped in leaves in his possession, which he claimed was intended for planting a tree.
He was re-arrested upon re-entering the UK at Heathrow Airport on June 28.
He admitted guilt to sexual assault of a minor under 13, possessing a weapon in public, and not surrendering to authorities.
His sentence includes 13 months in prison, a seven-year registration on the sex offenders' register, and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the same period.
The judge noted that his actions caused a brief but significant invasion of her personal space, involving kissing and touching her thigh with his mouth.
Authorities described his behavior as unusual, inappropriate, and disturbing, but also recognized that he was remorseful and that alcohol influenced his conduct.
Mirwais, who is from the Macari Centre at Regent Road, Hanley, had no previous criminal record.
The court clarified that he did not intentionally target the young girl but acted impulsively and recklessly, with no justified reason for carrying a knife.
