EXMOUTH MAN MARIWAN ABDULRAHMAN ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT ON SCHOOLGIRL IN EXETER

In May 2014, a disturbing incident unfolded involving a young schoolgirl and a man from Exmouth named Mariwan Abdulrahman, which drew significant attention from local authorities and the community alike. The incident took place on a bus traveling from Exeter to Exmouth, where Abdulrahman, a 32-year-old married man, was accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl who was a complete stranger to him.

According to police reports and court proceedings, Abdulrahman admitted to touching the girl, claiming he was attracted to her because she had 'nice legs' and that he mistakenly believed she was at least 16 years old. He further stated that he did not realize she was wearing a school uniform, despite her attire consisting of a shirt, tie, jumper, skirt, socks, shoes, and a school bag, clearly indicating her status as a student.

The incident was captured on CCTV footage, which showed Abdulrahman touching the girl. During police interviews, he maintained that he thought the girl was consenting to his actions. His lawyer argued that Abdulrahman, who had fled Saddam Hussein’s regime in Iraq and sought asylum in the UK, took advantage of the situation. The court was told that Abdulrahman was 'smiley and friendly' on the bus, engaging the girl in conversation about drinking and smoking, and even inviting her to sit next to him at the back of the bus.

Prosecutor Deborah Hodges described how Abdulrahman offered the girl some loose change, promised her £10 the following day, and told her she was 'special.' He then moved his hand up to her skirt and touched her bare legs, attempting to hide his actions by shifting her bag. The girl, described as 'frozen' by witnesses, later confided in a teacher about what had happened.

Following the incident, police issued information about the assault, which led Abdulrahman’s family to advise him to go to the police station. He was subsequently arrested. During the court proceedings, Abdulrahman expressed remorse, stating he would not 'engage in any such behaviour again.' His lawyer apologized on his behalf, emphasizing his status as a refugee.

In a sentencing hearing before district judge Stephen Nicholls, Abdulrahman pleaded guilty to sexual assault on a female. He was sentenced to 12 weeks in jail, suspended for two years, and was ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, he was required to pay £165 in costs and was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for seven years. The judge noted that Abdulrahman had used some coercion in his actions, which contributed to the severity of the sentence.

This case highlights the serious nature of the offence and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals, especially minors, from predatory behaviour. The incident remains a stark reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and proper legal action to protect young people in public spaces.