MANISH SOOD'S SHAMEFUL CRIMES IN LEICESTER: EX-COUNCILLOR PESTERS TEEN GIRLS AND SEXUALLY ASSAULTS WOMAN

In a disturbing series of events that have shocked the community of Leicester, former city councillor Manish Sood has been found guilty of engaging in inappropriate and criminal behavior involving teenage girls and a young woman. The incidents, which took place over the course of last year, have brought to light a pattern of predatory conduct by a man who once held a position of public trust and influence.

Manish Sood, aged 40 and residing on Roundhill Road in Leicester, appeared before the city’s Crown Court to face sentencing after admitting to multiple charges related to sexual misconduct. His actions have not only caused personal distress to the victims but have also tarnished his reputation, which was previously marked by political controversy and public scrutiny.

Previously, Sood served as a Labour councillor representing Leicester’s Fosse Ward and was also a parliamentary candidate for Norfolk North West. His political career was notably marked two years ago when he publicly criticized then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown, describing him as “the worst Prime Minister in history.” This comment garnered national attention and was seen as damaging to Labour’s campaign during the 2010 general election. Although he was suspended from the Labour Party following his remarks, he was later reinstated in January of the previous year. Despite this, Sood did not seek re-election in the local elections held in May, effectively ending his tenure as a councillor.

The court proceedings revealed a series of troubling incidents that unfolded in early February of the previous year. It was established that Sood initiated contact with one of the teenage victims after she posted an advertisement on the Gumtree website seeking part-time employment. Prosecutor Sian Cutter explained that Sood offered to pay her £20 to lie down on a couch and receive a massage, an offer she refused. Despite her rejection, Sood persisted, repeatedly calling her 27 times and sending 15 text messages, urging her to visit his home. The girl eventually confided in a 15-year-old friend at school, who then contacted Sood and told him to cease his harassment.

However, Sood’s attention shifted to the friend herself. Over the following three days, he sent her 26 text messages and made 152 phone calls, suggesting she come for “therapy” and even asking her to bring “toe rings and condoms.” He also proposed to pick her up from school, which alarmed her as she had not disclosed her location. The girl, in front of a teacher, told Sood to stop contacting her, to which he responded, “Even for £200? Let me know if you change her mind.” This behavior prompted her to report him to the police.

When Sood was arrested, he admitted to having “sexual motives” towards the schoolgirls and claimed that his medication made him “forgetful.” The court was also informed that Sood met a 22-year-old woman through Gumtree in January of the previous year. She believed he was a therapist and went to his home expecting a professional session. Instead, Sood took her to his bedroom to demonstrate “aroma and tantra” relief techniques. During this encounter, he inappropriately touched her over her clothes, kissed her stomach, and later massaged her back, pulled down her leggings and underwear, and kissed her bottom. The woman was too frightened and uncomfortable to protest and left the premises.

In his defense, Sood admitted to causing or inciting the two teenagers to engage in sexual activity and to sexually assaulting the young woman. The judge, Mr. Justice Michael Pert QC, described his conduct as “the conduct of a dirty old man,” adding, “and you’re not even old.”

Mitigating the circumstances, defense lawyer Robert Underwood explained that Sood had been suffering from mental health issues since 2008, beginning with paranoid thoughts that someone was trying to kill him. He stated that Sood had received psychiatric treatment and was on medication. However, the judge clarified that the psychiatric report indicated no connection between his mental health problems and his criminal behavior.

As part of his sentence, Sood was handed a three-year community order with supervision and was required to attend a sex offender group work program. Additionally, he was subject to a sexual offences prevention order that prohibited him from having unsupervised contact with children under 16 and imposed restrictions on his computer use. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of his offenses and aims to prevent further harm.

In addressing the impact of his actions, Mr. Underwood acknowledged the shame Sood had brought upon his family, noting that his mother was present in court, while his brother had distanced himself. The lawyer also highlighted that Sood had lost his job as a consequence of his conduct. Despite his mental health struggles, the reasons behind his inappropriate behavior remain unexplained, leaving a community and family to grapple with the repercussions of his actions.