EXETER SEX PREDATOR JAILED FOR ALLEYWAY KIDNAPPING AND ATTEMPTED SEXUAL ASSAULT
A depraved sex predator named Merwais Nasiri, aged 25, has been sentenced to jail for kidnapping a drunken student after she left a nightclub in Exeter.The court heard that Nasiri pretended to help the woman but his real intention was to commit a sexual offence.
The incident occurred when the woman, described as 'very much worse for wear,' was sat on steps near an alleyway outside Fever nightclub in Mary Arches Street around 2am.
CCTV footage showed her unable to interact properly as Nasiri sat next to her, making multiple attempts to lift her to her feet.
At 3.30am, he lifted her into a rubbish-strewn alley and moved bins across the entrance to hide her from view, indicating his intention to commit sexual assault.
A takeaway worker raised the alarm, leading nightclub doorstaff to find Nasiri kneeling over the woman after removing the bins.
He was arrested on site.
Although no sexual offence was ultimately committed, the court judged that Nasiri's intentions were clear, as the judge stated, 'The one thing dominating your mind was sexual activity.' Nasiri was sentenced to five and a half years in prison and was classified as a dangerous offender, receiving an additional four years of supervision after release.
The judge emphasized that the victim, who was present in court, showed extraordinary dignity and courage in giving evidence.
The court highlighted that Nasiri's actions demonstrated significant risk and that he must register as a sex offender for life.
Nasiri, an asylum seeker from Afghanistan with no previous convictions, had no opposition to the verdict, though his defense argued cultural background and repressed thoughts around sexuality might have influenced his behavior.
The judge condemned Nasiri's conduct, stating that the victim was highly vulnerable, and his actions were driven by a desire for sexual activity, not assistance.
The victim expressed her hurt and trauma, stating, 'It is my right as a woman and the right of every woman to be able to enjoy myself and drink alcohol without fear of something happening to me.'
