Afghan man fined £400 after sexually assaulting woman, 14, whereas Harry Potter sightseeing
Abdul Barkeeh Salihi, 24, was handed a £400 fine after he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl while she was sightseeing Harry Potter filming locations across London
The girl had been walking through Leadenhall in London when she was sexually assaulted (file) (Image: ExpressStar)
A man who sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl as she was Harry Potter sightseeing in London with family has been fined £400.
Abdul Barkeeh Salihi, 24, put his hand on the girl’s bottom as she looked round Leadenhall Market to see the filming location for Diagon Alley. Earlier the same day, Salihi had already slapped the bottom of a 42-year-old woman after following her for a short distance along nearby Lombard Street.
After the sexual assault on the girl, Salihi was confronted by her family in the Rocca restaurant in Leadenhall Market. The incident saw Salihi throw a chair through a window after he was accused by the family.
The area was used for filming of Diagon Alley in Harry Potter
Salihi, an Afghan national, gave his address to Inner London Crown Court as a hotel in Oxford which has been housing asylum seekers.
He admitted two counts of sexual assault and criminal damage, and was sentenced last week to a £400 fine with a £160 victim surcharge. Salihi will also be put on the sex offenders register for the next five years.
Detective Constable Natalie Schofield, from City of London Police, said: “These were deeply distressing sexual assaults committed in broad daylight against two females who were simply going about their daily lives.
“One of the victims was just 14-years-old, making this offending particularly concerning. I would like to thank both victims for the immense courage they showed in coming forward and supporting our investigation.
“We know how difficult it can be to report sexual offences, and their bravery has ensured this offender has been held accountable for his actions.”
Leadenhall Market dates back to the 14th century and was used in the original Harry Potter film franchise as a location for the Diagon Alley shopping street.
The family later confronted in a restaurant at Leadenhall Market (file)(Image: Getty Images)
Police said Salihi carried out the first sexual assault at around 3.30pm on January 28 last year when a woman was walking along the road in the rain, staying close to the buildings for shelter.
Salihi emerged at Mansion House and began to follow the woman, coming up close behind her until she turned and asked if he needed to get past.
Police said Salihi shook his head, then a few moments later slapped the woman’s bottom.
Later the same day, the girl who was sightseeing with her family felt a touch on her bottom, and turned to see Salihi with a “weird smirk on his face”.
The family went to the Rocca Italian restaurant and saw Salihi enter the same premises, sparking a confrontation. He was pushed towards the counter and accused of sexual assault before restaurant staff asked him to leave.
The police said he left the restaurant but then “looked agitated” when he was sat outside.
“Salihi picked up a chair and threw it through a window”, said the police.
“He picked up a second and threw it, but this time it bounced against the glass. He was detained by members of the public until police arrived.”
Salihi pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault and criminal damage, and was sentenced on July 13 by Judge Ian Darling.
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