Woman sexually assaulted on Dublin to Belfast train now has a fear of travelling on public transport, Craigavon court hears
A woman who was sexually assaulted on the Belfast to Dublin train now has a fear of travelling on public transport, a court in Craigavon has heard.
Yaqub Mohamed, aged 39, of Stranmillis Gardens, Belfast, who appeared before Craigavon Magistrates Court, previously admitted the sexual assault and was before the court for sentencing.
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The court heard police were called following reports of a sexual assault on the Dublin to Belfast train on May 2, 2024.
The victim was sitting beside an unknown male. She got up to use the bathroom and the defendant put his hands on her waist, making her feel very uncomfortable.
A prosecutor revealed that when the victim declined his advances, he further asked if she knew anyone who would have sex with him.
District Judge Michael Ranaghan said the defendant has no previous convictions.
“Any form of sexual offending is serious and significant. He now knows, as do I, the impact on his victim. That includes anxiety, stress and a fear of going onto public transport.”
He revealed Mohamed has been assessed as ‘not posing a risk of significant harm to others’ adding there was a recommendation from Probation that he is referred to the Intervention Panel.
"The purpose of that is that he fully understands what he has done and avoid any repetition,” said the district judge, sentencing him to 12 months Probation and 70 hours Community Service.
He also ordered the defendant to give the victim £500 compensation. No Sexual Offences Prevention Order was asked for by the Prosecution.