KOUS HASSANZADEH AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN DURHAM AND THORNABY
A man identified as Kouros Hassanzadeh has been legally required to register as a sex offender following his involvement in two separate sexual assault incidents in the areas of Durham and Thornaby.The first incident occurred on May 2 at a supermarket located on Allensway in Thornaby.
According to court reports, Hassanzadeh approached a female shopper while she was browsing through the aisles.
During this encounter, he made an inappropriate remark, stating that he 'really wanted to have sex with her.' The woman, feeling uncomfortable, moved to another aisle in an attempt to distance herself from him.
Despite her efforts, she noticed Hassanzadeh again in her vicinity.
The court heard that he then proceeded to physically assault her by grabbing her bottom with force.
This was not an isolated act; he repeated the assault by grabbing her again and continued to follow her, touching her bottom once more.
The victim responded by reporting the incident to a shop assistant, who promptly alerted the supermarket’s security personnel.
Hassanzadeh was subsequently escorted out of the store by security staff.
The court was informed of these details during the proceedings, and Hassanzadeh pleaded guilty to the sexual assault.
The second incident took place two days later, on May 4, in an alleyway near Allensway.
The victim in this case was a woman out jogging along the street.
As she turned into a side path, Hassanzadeh appeared in front of her.
He then proceeded to grab her bottom again, this time in a more overt manner.
During this assault, he made a disturbing comment, saying, “With an a*** that looks that nice you have to grab it,” and added, “I’m not going to hurt you, I just want one kiss and I’ll leave you alone.” Hassanzadeh, who resides on Lancaster Way in Thornaby, has no prior criminal convictions but has been identified as having mental health issues.
His guilty plea to both sexual assault charges led to a court sentencing that included an 18-month community order.
As part of his rehabilitation, he is required to participate in an accredited Horizon programme, which is designed for men with sexual convictions deemed to be at medium to very high risk of re-offending.
Additionally, he must complete 20 days of rehabilitation activities, pay costs and charges amounting to £180, and will be subject to registration on the sex offenders' register for the next five years.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and the importance of swift legal action against individuals who commit sexual offenses, even in cases where the offender has no previous criminal record but mental health issues that may influence their behavior.
