OLD SWAN MAN THOMAS RAJAMAN I JAILED FOR MOLESTATION AT SOUTHPORT PIER
In May 2011, Thomas Rajamani, a 61-year-old man from Old Swan, was sentenced to eight months in prison for behavior that distressed a young girl at Southport pier.The incident involved Rajamani rubbing himself against the 12-year-old girl three times while she was playing at Funland amusement arcade during a Bank Holiday.
Judge Bryn Holloway sentenced Rajamani, stating, “You were convicted by the jury of this offence which was an unpleasant incident which caused great distress to the 12-year-old victim.
It is clear after this matter came to light and in the build-up to the trial, this young girl was very distressed and her schoolwork has suffered as a result.” The judge emphasized the seriousness of such cases, adding, “This sort of case has to be marked, in my view, with an immediate custodial sentence.” Prosecutor Robert Wynn Jones explained that the girl was playing on a 2p slot machine at the arcade on May 31 of the previous year when she felt a man behind her rubbing against her.
When she turned around, he walked away but returned a few minutes later to repeat the act.
After the third time, the girl contacted her father, who then reported the incident to security guards.
According to the girl’s account, she saw Rajamani as he ran off when guards gave chase.
He was subsequently arrested nearby.
During police interviews, Rajamani denied any sexual assault, maintaining his innocence; however, Liverpool Crown Court jurors rejected his denial after a trial.
Defense lawyer Keith Sutton, who was assisted by a translator, highlighted Rajamani’s prior good character and work record in both the UK and abroad.
He also argued that Rajamani had not traveled to Southport with the intention of committing any wrongdoing.
As part of his sentence, Rajamani was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for ten years.
