OFFENDER WHO MOLESTED A TEENAGE GIRL ON THE TUBE GETS JAIL AND FACES DEPORTATION
Muslih Alotaibi, 39, assaulted the 17-year-old on the Central Line between Oxford Circus and Mile End station on September 2 last year, a court has been told.When he tried to put his hand under her leg, the girl complained to another passenger and Alotaibi was detained by the police shortly after.
Alotaibi entered the UK in 2023 claiming asylum from Saudi Arabia, where his children and ex-wife still live.
He appeared at Inner London Crown Court for sentencing, wearing prison clothes and aided by an Arabic interpreter.
The prosecution stated: 'The offence occurred on the London Underground system.
The victim was 17 years old.
She boarded the eastbound Central Line on September 2 in the early evening.
She had texted her mum saying she was coming home.
She described the defendant as wearing a floral top.
Shortly after boarding, he sat next to her.
He put his hand on her thigh and rubbed it repeatedly.
She noticed a female nearby who saw what was happening, and she believed he was trying to touch her crotch.
The teenager moved away and informed the woman.
Other passengers pressed the emergency button and Alotaibi was detained.
The victim was left shocked and scared, not wanting to travel by public transport again.
Alotaibi initially denied the offence, claiming he was playing chess and the girl 'cried for no reason'.
Defence highlighted that he came to the UK as an asylum seeker, aged 39, divorced, living with a friend, with no fixed address, and on immigration bail.
He indicated a desire to return to Saudi Arabia soon.
The judge sentenced him to 19 weeks in jail, excluding time already served.
He will also be subject to a five-year sexual harm prevention order and will only be allowed to use a credit or oyster card in his name when using public transport.
The judge stated: 'The victim, a teenage girl, was entitled to go about her business without being molested.
Young women should feel safe travelling on the underground.
You deliberately sat next to her and began touching her leg, trying to hide your actions with your jacket.
She was so frightened she went blank; she doesn't want to travel again.
You may be released soon, and the Home Office should be aware of this conviction and carry out deportation procedures.'
