A man described as “predatory” targeted women walking home from nights out, sexually assaulting them, with one victim left too distressed to speak.
Muhammad Sheikhi, 23, has been convicted of sexually assaulting two women in Falkirk, Scotland, last year. The Syrian asylum seeker committed the attacks in the early hours of November 30 near the Hotel Cladhan where he was staying.
The first woman was approached at a railway bridge where Sheikhi embraced her, kissed her on the face and mouth, and put his hands under her skirt. Subsequently, he sexually assaulted another woman on a street and at a nearby skate park, pressing her against a tree and touching her under her clothing.
Both victims were in their early twenties and were walking home alone after nights out in the town center. Sheikhi, who arrived in the UK by boat, denied the charges, claiming he was wandering around due to lack of social company in his hotel.
After a four-day trial at Stirling Sheriff Court, a jury found Sheikhi guilty of both charges. Sheriff Keith O’Mahony emphasized the seriousness of the crimes, requiring a report before sentencing, noting Sheikhi had no prior convictions.
During the trial, prosecutor Jamie Hilland labeled Sheikhi’s behavior as “predatory,” highlighting the similarities between the two incidents and emphasizing the distress caused to the victims.
Despite Sheikhi’s lawyer’s attempt to defend him, the jury returned guilty verdicts on both counts. Sheikhi is scheduled to be sentenced on June 29.
