Muhammad Sheikhi, a 33-year-old Syrian refugee, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two young women in Falkirk during the early hours. The assaults occurred near a railway bridge and a local skate park, areas linked to the victims’ movements after a night out.
Sheikhi was residing at the Cladhan Hotel, which has been a point of local controversy due to its role in housing asylum seekers. The convictions came after a four-day trial at Stirling Sheriff Court, which was conducted before a jury.
The first victim, aged 22, was approached and assaulted under a railway bridge shortly after leaving a nightclub. Less than an hour later, a second woman, aged 21, was attacked at a nearby skate park. During the second assault, she was grabbed intimately and prevented from leaving until the assault ended.
Throughout the trial, Sheikhi denied the charges, claiming he was trying to help the women rather than harm them. However, the jury rejected his defence and found him guilty on both counts.
Sentencing has been deferred until 29 June to allow time for the preparation of relevant reports. Sheikhi remains in custody and has been officially placed on the sex offenders’ register following his conviction.
The case has increased scrutiny on the accommodation at the Cladhan Hotel, which has been a focal point of community debate concerning asylum seeker housing in Falkirk.
Originally published by UKNIP.
