SHUEB CHOWDHURY AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN SOUTHSEA

A 20-year-old man named Shueb Chowdhury has been sentenced to serve 18 months in prison following a series of disturbing sexual assault incidents that occurred in Southsea. The case came to light after three women reported being approached and inappropriately touched over their clothing by an unknown man.

Chowdhury, who resides on Harold Road in Southsea, pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault during a hearing at Portsmouth Crown Court on 21 August 2023. The court proceedings revealed details of the incidents, which took place over a span of just over a week, causing significant distress to the victims.

The first incident occurred early in the morning around 6:30 am on Monday, 10 July. A 51-year-old woman was in the Canoe Lake area when she was approached from behind by a man she did not recognize. Without warning, he touched the back of her shorts with both hands. After the assault, the man quickly fled the scene, heading towards Eastney along Eastern Parade. The victim was left shaken by the unexpected and invasive contact.

Later that same day, at approximately 3 pm, another woman, aged 41, reported that she was approached on Empshott Road by a man she did not know. This individual touched her chest over her clothing before running off in the direction of Devonshire Avenue. The incident added to the growing concern among residents and authorities about the pattern of such inappropriate behavior in the area.

The following week, on Tuesday, 18 July, at around 5 pm, a 24-year-old woman was approached on Fawcett Road by a man she did not recognize. Similar to the previous cases, he touched her chest over her clothing and then quickly ran away. These repeated offenses, all occurring during daylight hours, heightened fears among the local community.

During the sentencing at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday, 13 October, Judge described Chowdhury’s actions as both chilling and worrying. The court sentenced him to a total of 18 months in prison. Additionally, Chowdhury will be subject to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which aims to restrict his behavior and prevent further offenses. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.

Investigating officer Detective Constable James Adams commented on the case, emphasizing the seriousness of the incidents. He stated, "These assaults all took place in daylight hours and were frightening experiences for the victims. We take all reports of sexual assault very seriously, and I am pleased that we quickly managed to identify and arrest Chowdhury so that his offending did not escalate. Today’s sentence sends a clear message that this type of behavior will not be tolerated in Portsmouth, and we will relentlessly pursue offenders to secure justice for their victims."

The case underscores the importance of community vigilance and swift law enforcement action in addressing sexual offenses, especially those committed in public spaces like Southsea. Authorities remain committed to protecting residents and ensuring that offenders are held accountable for their actions.