MAN STAYING IN SOUTHAMPTON ASYLUM HOTEL ADMITS SEX OFFENCES
A man from Afghanistan has been told to “expect a prison sentence of some length” after pleading guilty to sexual offences against three women.Sohail Amiri, 30, who was staying at Highfield House Hotel as part of Home Office-organised asylum accommodation, is facing time behind bars after admitting two charges of sexual assault against two women on September 23 and November 25.
Highfield House Hotel in Portswood has been subject to repeated anti-immigration protests.
Amiri, of Highfield Lane, Southampton, appeared at Southampton Crown Court on Monday, January 5, and spoke with the assistance of a Pashto interpreter.
He also admitted entering the United Kingdom without leave on October 23, 2023, contrary to Section 24 of the Immigration Act 1971.
The defendant denied the sexual assault of a third woman but pleaded guilty to attempted sexual assault on September 23.
Judge Nicholas Rowland adjourned the case at Southampton Crown Court for sentencing on February 6 and remanded the defendant in custody until then.
Speaking to Amiri, Judge Rowland said: “You will be sentenced on February 6.
You will be remanded in custody and you will be brought to court for sentence.
“You must expect a prison sentence of some length on that occasion.
You are remanded in custody.” A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman previously said the November 25 incident happened in the early hours in Upper Shaftesbury Avenue, Southampton.
He said: “It was reported a woman was walking along the road just after midnight when she was approached by a man she did not know who is alleged to have then tried to kiss her.
She was able to force him off and run away.
The September 23 incidents both took place in Westwood Road.
