AKASH SHRESTHA AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN BOURNEMOUTH
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Bournemouth, a man identified as Akash Krishna Shrestha, aged 25 and residing on Portland Road, was convicted of serious sexual offenses that took place in September 2021.The incident involved a break-in into student accommodation and an attempted sexual assault, which has left two female victims deeply traumatized.
According to court reports, Shrestha clandestinely entered a student housing building around 5am, just after a group of people had gone inside.
At approximately 11pm the previous night, the two women victims had been asleep in their respective flats.
The court footage revealed that the defendant was seen tensing his muscles in front of a mirror before leaving his residence, indicating premeditation.
The first victim recounted her terrifying experience, explaining that she woke up with the lights off, having gone to sleep with them on.
She was alarmed to find a figure standing over her in her room, unsure of how long he had been there.
She tried to shield herself with her duvet, but Shrestha proceeded to remove his trousers and underwear, getting onto her bed.
The victim detailed the assault, stating, "He squashed me into the corner, started kissing me and put his hands into my knickers." Despite her resistance, she managed to escape and sought help from a security guard.
The attacker, Shrestha, then entered another room where he pulled the blanket off a second woman.
She confronted him verbally, which caused him to leave that room.
A victim impact statement from the first woman expressed the profound effect the assault had on her life, stating, "I want him to know how he has affected innocent people's lives because he can't control himself.
I never deserved any of this." She emphasized that by trespassing into her home, Shrestha deprived her of her right to sleep peacefully, her privacy, and her dignity, raising the question of the fundamental right to sleep free from sexual assault.
The second victim shared her own distress, revealing that she had hoped to study in Bournemouth but now feels her experience has been ruined.
The court heard mitigating remarks from lawyer Robert Grey, who read letters Shrestha wrote to his victims.
In these, he apologized, claimed to be shocked by his behavior, and stated he believed his drink had been spiked.
Grey described Shrestha as being out of character and noted that his family considered him a kind individual.
Despite these remorseful remarks, the presiding judge, Judge Brian Forster QC, sentenced Shrestha to a term of four and a half years in prison.
The sentence also includes an extended license period of five years, during which he will remain under supervision.
Moreover, Shrestha is required to register as a sex offender indefinitely.
Judge Forster QC emphasized the severity of the crimes and their impact on the victims, stating, "The offences have had a considerable impact on the two victims.
They were terrified at the time that the incident took place.
What has taken place has had a very significant impact on their day-to-day lives.
They have understandably lost confidence.
They have trouble sleeping, and they fear for their safety." This case underscores the ongoing issues of safety and privacy for residents in Bournemouth, and the community is urged to remain vigilant in protecting their residents from such unacceptable breaches of personal safety.
