ABDIRASHID HASSAN SHOCKS LIVERPOOL WITH SEXUAL ASSAULTS NEAR TOXETH AND SOUTH LIVERPOOL
In a series of disturbing incidents in Liverpool, Somali refugee Abdirashid Hassan has been convicted of sexually assaulting two young women within hours of each other, leaving the victims deeply traumatized and the community shaken.On a seemingly ordinary day in September 2023, Hassan's troubling behavior began at approximately 1:30 pm when he entered a community centre located in South Liverpool.
The centre was bustling with activity, and Hassan approached a 17-year-old volunteer working at the reception.
The court heard that Hassan initiated a series of inappropriate and intrusive questions, asking her if she had a boyfriend and whether she identified as a lesbian.
He then inquired about her supposed girlfriend’s whereabouts, further escalating his inappropriate conduct.
Prosecutor Sarah Griffin detailed how Hassan complimented her on her appearance, specifically mentioning her 'pretty eyes' and singing a song that included the phrase 'you are so beautiful.' The young volunteer found his behavior increasingly strange and decided to step outside for some fresh air.
However, Hassan did not leave her alone; he followed her outside and then proceeded to make offensive remarks to one of her colleagues, commenting on her physical features and her skin color, claiming she was 'beautiful because of the colour of her skin.' His repeated sexual comments and inappropriate behavior caused the young woman to feel genuinely frightened and shaken.
The situation escalated to the point where Hassan was asked to leave the premises, but the emotional impact on the victim was profound, leaving her visibly distressed and scared.
Later that same evening, at around 9:30 pm, Hassan was seen leaving Chaplin’s pub on Lodge Lane in Toxteth.
He was described as heavily intoxicated, swaying and stumbling as he approached a 16-year-old girl who was walking to a nearby shop.
The teenager recounted that Hassan, clearly under the influence of alcohol, attempted to engage her in conversation.
He asked her where she was headed, to which she replied she was going to her nan’s house.
Hassan then asked if he could go back to her place and even invited her to his residence.
As the encounter progressed, Hassan’s behavior became increasingly aggressive and invasive.
He moved closer to her, making comments about her physical appearance, specifically telling her that her breasts were perfect and that she was beautiful.
He then physically grabbed her shoulders, trying to persuade her to go with him.
The assault escalated further when he grabbed her chest and waist, stroked her hips, and ultimately thrust his groin towards her in a sexual manner.
The young girl managed to break free from his grasp, and Hassan eventually walked away.
The victim was left in tears, overwhelmed by the traumatic experience, and was later accompanied home by concerned members of the public who witnessed the incident.
Hassan was identified as a male who often slept rough outside St Bede’s Church, where he was found in a doorway and subsequently arrested.
Both teenage victims positively identified him during police identity parades, confirming his involvement in the assaults.
It was revealed that Hassan has a criminal record with four previous convictions for five offences, although none were related to sexual misconduct.
During the court proceedings, his defense lawyer, Charles Lander, expressed remorse on his behalf, attributing his actions to intoxication.
Lander stated that Hassan, who was assisted by a Somali interpreter during the hearing, sincerely apologized and was determined to change his ways.
He emphasized that Hassan had been working productively while in custody and wished to reunite with his son and lead a law-abiding life.
Hassan admitted to the charges of sexual assault and harassment.
He appeared via video link from HMP Altcourse and was sentenced to 50 weeks in prison.
Additionally, he was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for ten years and was subject to a restraining order for the same period.
Judge Denis Watson KC delivered the sentencing, describing Hassan’s behavior as intrusive, aggressive, and deeply upsetting for the victims.
The judge highlighted the lasting impact on the young women, noting that the first victim was still shaken the day after the incident.
He condemned Hassan’s actions, emphasizing the severity of his misconduct and the distress caused to the victims, and underscored the importance of the legal measures taken to protect the community from such behavior.
