By James Simons-
An asylum seeker has been jailed after groping a 17-year-old girl on the Central line.
Muslih Alotaibi, 39, of no fixed address, was sentenced at London Inner Crown Court on October 16 after an investigation into the victim being targeted.
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The court heard how on September 2, 2024, Alotaibi was walking along the Central line carriage from Oxford Circus, when he stopped and chose to sit next to a girl despite many other seats being available.
He then placed a jacket over his lap and proceeded to sexually assault her.
A passenger who sat opposite her witnessed all of this and mouthed to ask if she was ok – with the victim responding ‘no’ as she had tears in her eyes.
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The young woman moved away from Alotaibi to sit by the Good Samaritan, who then asked her if the man had done something to her.
The victim replied ‘yes’.
Alotaibi has then stood up to move away from the young woman and passenger, but was stopped by other men on board who prevented him from leaving the train and escaping.
The train arrived at Mile End where Alotaibi was arrested by officers.
Alotaibi is understood to be from Saudi Arabia and arrived in the UK in 2023.
He was handed a 19-week prison sentence and ordered to pay a £154 victim surcharge, as well as being ordered to register with police for seven years.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Julie Skinner said: “Alotaibi acted in an abhorrent and predatory manner towards this young woman, but the selfless actions of those on the train who noticed something was wrong and offered to help her kept her safe from further assault and ensured we were able to arrest Alotaibi and bring him to justice.
“When a member of the public bravely intervenes to confront or call out callous behaviour and sexual assaults, it reminds the victim that they are not alone and helps to prevent further unacceptable behaviour.
“I thank everyone who supported this investigation and supported the victim, and I hope that this result can bring her some comfort.
“If you experience or witness a sexual offence on the railway network or in a station, I urge you to report it to us by texting 61016 – officers can deploy immediately and begin urgent enquiries to bring offenders to justice.”
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