MOHAMMAD KENESHLOU SENTENCED IN LIVERPOOL FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AND ASSAULT CAUSING BODILY HARM
Mohammad Keneshlou, a 28-year-old man from Rocky Lane, Anfield, was convicted of serious sexual assault and physical violence against a woman in Liverpool.The incident took place in 2019 after Keneshlou and the victim went for a walk to a park before heading to her accommodation, where they shared drinks and later went to her room.
Prosecutor Nicola Daley explained that after the woman expressed her disinterest in Keneshlou’s advances—despite his attempts to hug, kiss, and persuade her—she made efforts to clarify her marriage status and even called her husband to reaffirm her boundaries.
Despite this, Keneshlou exposed himself and pushed her head towards him.
Ms.
Daley detailed that Keneshlou pleaded with her for oral sex, and when she refused, he attempted to push her head toward his genitals.
Upon her continued refusal, he reacted violently, punching her in the face, kicking her, and causing her to scream for help.
The woman managed to bite him on the hand and yelled loudly to attract neighbors, who responded promptly.
She escaped her room and was transported to hospital with swelling and bruising to her face.
The court heard that the victim now suffers from anxiety, has difficulty sleeping, and is fearful of being around other men.
She has even moved away from Liverpool to try to escape the trauma, but her anxiety persists, impacting her ability to work and her relationship with her husband, whom she has described as deteriorating due to the incident.
She reports feeling scared both at home and in public.
Keneshlou was arrested at approximately 10:25 pm on the night of the assault.
During arrest, he had scratches on his arms, a thumb injury consistent with fighting, and vomited nearby.
He admitted feeling sorry for the woman and described her as “unattractive,” stating she had instigated their physical interaction.
Initially, Keneshlou faced charges of attempted rape, sexual assault, and assault causing actual bodily harm.
However, he pleaded guilty to the latter two charges, leading prosecutors to withdraw the attempted rape count before the trial.
He has no prior convictions but presented multiple character references, including support from Reverend David Gavin of Christ Church in Anfield.
Defence lawyer Ben Jones described his client as a “very decent human being” who helps others less fortunate and expressed his hope for leniency.
Mr.
Jones highlighted that Keneshlou had undergone counselling and that his only alcohol-related offence was in relation to this incident.
He also mentioned that Keneshlou fears imprisonment due to past traumatic experiences abroad.
Throughout the hearing, Keneshlou expressed remorse, with his lawyer stating he prays daily for forgiveness and recognizes the harm caused.
As he sobbed in the courtroom, Judge Anil Murray acknowledged the severity of the assault, noting the victim’s physical and psychological injuries, including a weight loss of over 10kg and her inability to trust or go out shopping.
The judge emphasized that this was a clear example of a serious sexual offence against a vulnerable individual.
Referring to a pre-sentence report, he noted that Keneshlou appeared to hold negative attitudes towards women and had only accepted limited responsibility, attempting to blame the victim.
Given his background as an asylum seeker from Iran, who suffered torture, the judge considered his mental health issues—namely anxiety, depression, and PTSD—but concluded they did not diminish his responsibility.
Keneshlou was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison.
He was also issued a five-year restraining order to protect the victim and ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely, with the court underscoring the gravity of his actions and their impact on the victim.
