JUNAID AKRAM SEX OFFENDER CONVICTED IN PERTH HOUSE PARTY INCIDENT
Junaid Akram, a man from Perth, has been officially found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman while she was asleep during a house gathering in the city.The incident took place inside a private residence, where the victim, a 24-year-old woman, was sleeping on a couch after a night out at a nightclub.
According to court proceedings, Akram took advantage of her vulnerable state, pulling her dress inappropriately and positioning himself on top of her as she lay unconscious.
When the woman gradually awoke, she was confronted with the distressing sight of Akram on top of her.
Despite her clear and repeated refusals, she attempted to push him away, but he persisted, demanding a kiss from her.
During this confrontation, Akram allegedly told her, 'Then I’ll leave you alone,' as a way to pressure her into compliance.
The woman’s testimony highlighted her feelings of fear and violation during the ordeal, emphasizing that she did not give her consent for any sexual activity.
Akram, aged 38 and employed as a hardware technician, denied the allegations, asserting that their interaction was consensual.
However, the jury rejected his defense after a week-long trial.
It took the jurors less than three hours to deliberate and reach a verdict of guilty.
The court heard detailed evidence, including DNA analysis, which confirmed the presence of Akram’s genetic material on the victim’s dress and underwear.
This scientific evidence played a significant role in establishing his guilt.
The victim recounted feeling 'tipsy' after drinking at the nightclub prior to the incident, which she claimed contributed to her inability to fully consent.
She explained, 'I was starting to wake up and when I realized what was happening, I told him ‘no’ and asked him to move.' Her testimony underscored the non-consensual nature of the encounter and the trauma she experienced.
Following the guilty verdict, Sheriff Alison McKay announced that sentencing would be deferred to allow for the preparation of background reports.
In addition to the conviction, Junaid Akram has been placed on the sex offenders register, marking a significant legal consequence for his actions in Perth.
