NASSER AL-GHERAINIQ SHOCKS LONDON WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT AT ROYAL BROMPTON CLINIC

A man from Qatar, Nasser Al-Gherainiq, who had no prior experience with women outside his immediate family, committed a disturbing sexual assault at a specialized heart treatment facility in London. The incident took place within the confines of a restroom at a clinic located in Marylebone, an area in central London, which is associated with the renowned Royal Brompton Hospital situated in Chelsea, southwest London.

According to court proceedings, the 27-year-old defendant targeted a female patient during her visit to the clinic. The court heard that Al-Gherainiq approached the woman and claimed he needed to use the restroom. Seizing the opportunity, he pulled her into a private cubicle within the restroom, where he carried out the assault. The court was informed that he denied two counts of attempted rape but was ultimately convicted by a jury of sexual assault and causing a person to engage in sexual activity without their consent.

During the trial, the victim provided a harrowing victim impact statement, describing the profound emotional and psychological toll the incident had taken on her. She recounted feeling paralyzed by fear during the assault, describing the experience as feeling like an eternity despite it lasting only five minutes. She expressed that her life has been irrevocably changed since that day, revealing that she experienced intense anxiety and fear in the aftermath. The woman shared that she was unable to leave her house for several days and that her family remains unaware of the details of her ordeal. She described herself as no longer the outgoing person she once was, now withdrawn, highly anxious, and overly cautious, especially when alone in unfamiliar environments.

In his defense, Jane Bickerstaff KC explained to the court that Al-Gherainiq would be returning to Qatar immediately after serving his sentence, as there was no intention or plan for him to seek to remain in the UK. She highlighted that the defendant, a member of a conservative Bedouin tribe, had limited contact with women outside his family. Until July 2023, he had never left Qatar and had minimal exposure to urban or modern societal norms. His interactions with women were virtually nonexistent, with his only meaningful contact being with his mother. The pre-sentence report further detailed his limited experiences, noting that his exposure to urban environments and societal norms was minimal, and he lacked understanding of the feelings and boundaries of women he encountered.

Al-Gherainiq, who was previously residing in Mayfair, was remanded in custody pending sentencing scheduled for the following week. The case has drawn significant attention due to the stark cultural differences and the serious nature of the offense committed within the heart of London.