SALMAN HSSAINI SENTENCED IN MONTROSE FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL

Salman Hssaini, an asylum seeker of Kurdish-Iranian descent, has been formally sentenced following a disturbing sexual assault incident that took place in Montrose. The case garnered significant attention as Hssaini was convicted after a trial in which he maintained his innocence, yet the court found sufficient evidence to hold him guilty of the charges.

On July 20 of the previous year, Hssaini was working alone at the Dobry Eastern European store located on Montrose’s bustling High Street. The incident involved a 13-year-old girl who visited the store with the intention of purchasing an electronic cigarette. According to her account, during her visit, Hssaini made inappropriate advances, asking her for a kiss. The situation escalated when he attempted to kiss her and proceeded to unzip her top, trying to kiss her again and grabbing her face in the process. The girl described her distress, stating, “I asked for the vape again. He started grabbing my face. He tried to unzip my cardi. I had nothing underneath but a bra.”

During the court proceedings, Hssaini’s solicitor acknowledged that he should not have been working at the shop on that day, implying a breach of employment or supervision protocols. Despite his continued denial of the offense, the court imposed a series of penalties aimed at both punishment and public safety. Sheriff Mark Thorley delivered the sentence, which included a requirement for Hssaini to register as a sex offender for a period of two years. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 240 hours of unpaid community service within the next year, and he was placed under supervised release conditions.

The court also mandated that Hssaini adhere to conduct requirements, which include declaring any relationships and avoiding unsupervised contact with children under the age of 16. The judge emphasized that these measures were alternatives to immediate imprisonment but warned that any failure to comply could lead to a review of his sentence and potential incarceration. The case highlights ongoing concerns about safeguarding vulnerable individuals and the importance of strict supervision for offenders, especially those with a background of seeking asylum and working in public-facing roles in Montrose.