Migrant who unleashed intercourse assault in UK metropolis ‘transformed to Christianity from Islam’

Amine Guermoune, 38, followed the woman from a bar and forced her to the ground in a dirty doorway before groping her in a terrifying sexual assault in Newcastle city centre

A woman was followed from a bar and forced to the ground in a grimy doorway before being groped in a horrifying assault. Amine Guermoune, who entered the UK illegally, pursued the vulnerable victim for sexual contact and imposed himself on her in Newcastle city centre despite her physical and verbal attempts to resist.

A judge stated that Guermoune, 38, who is seeking asylum after fleeing Morocco due to his conversion to Christianity, displayed none of the “tenets of Christianity” in the “worrying, appalling and disgusting” sexual assault.

The woman had been out socialising with friends in Newcastle city centre in May this year. After visiting several bars and clubs and consuming alcohol, she left a club after sunrise with another man.

Guermoune trailed them, approaching and shoving the other man aside. CCTV footage captured Guermoune and the victim in an archway. She told police she could recall him touching her leg under her skirt but her memory was hazy, reports Chronicle Live.

Ian Windridge, prosecuting, said: “However, the CCTV footage clearly shows a sexual assault taking place. He can be seen trying to kiss (her), and the CCTV audio captures her repeatedly saying ‘no’.

“He can be seen pulling her into the doorway and pulling her down to the floor. Her top half is obscured by the doorway frame, but her legs are visible as is the defendant kneeling in front of her continuing to try to touch her. The movement of the lower part of (her) body shows that she clearly is trying to resist.”

The other man attempted to step in but he was again shoved away by Guermoune. Security personnel witnessed what was occurring and stepped in before police were called.

During sentencing, Judge Tim Gittins said: “Your behaviour that night in the city centre of Newcastle was worrying, appalling and disgusting.”

The judge said Guermoune has attempted to downplay his conduct by claiming his drinks were spiked but he told him he was “clearly in control of your actions” on the CCTV. He added that the victim was extremely intoxicated and told him: “I’m satisfied from the footage I’ve seen that you were aware of her vulnerability and targeted her because of it.”

Judge Gittins said Guermoune had been spotted touching and attempting to embrace another woman that evening and was “perhaps fortunate that did not result in a separate charge”.

He told him: “Having left that club and seen the state of the women there, I’m satisfied you loitered in the area for about 30 minutes before approaching your victim, she having walked some distance from the club

“Having followed her, you harassed her. You harassed her for sexual contact, you held her in the street for a period of time, trying to force yourself upon her and kissing her as she made it clear she was not interested in your advances.

“As you sought to fondle her, you forced her to the ground in a dirty doorway and, using your body weight to hold her in position, you groped her groin and sought to run your hand under her skirt. This went on for some little time, despite her drunken physical attempts to get you off and her clear verbal protestations, saying ‘no’.

“Even when another man tried to intervene, you, for a time, stood your ground. Fortunately the CCTV captured what you had done and you were detained by nearby security staff.

“Even though, ultimately, there was no intimate skin contact, it was undoubtedly a terrifying episode for your victim. To be vulnerable and drunk, as she was perfectly entitled to be, having had a pleasant night with friends, she was attacked in broad daylight in the city centre by you.

“Your attack has changed her, somewhat, from a bubbly and outgoing lady to someone who is suspicious of men and hypervigilant. You have even changed her lifestyle to an extent, giving her concerns about being in certain public situations.

“You say you came to this country because you converted to Christianity. What you displayed that morning was nothing of the tenets of Christianity.”

Guermoune, of New Bridge Street West, Newcastle, who pleaded guilty to sexual assault, was sentenced to 12 months in prison and must sign the sex offenders register for ten years. Judge Gittins stated: “Any stranger attack like this merits immediate custody.”

Ian Mullarkey, defending, said: “He expresses his remorse, regret and shame for having committed this offence.” He mentioned that he is currently seeking asylum and has found his time in custody challenging.

Mr Mullarkey informed the court that Guermoune is originally from Morocco and arrived in the UK illegally after converting to Christianity from Islam, which led him to be “disowned, disinherited and threatened”. He added that this had resulted in a deterioration in his mental health, for which he is receiving treatment.

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