A vile migrant has been locked up for a string of terrifying sex assaults on three women as they made their way to work. Sohail Amiri, a married dad-of-two staying in an asylum hotel in Southampton, demanded kisses and groped his victims, striking over two months.
Predatory Attacks Shatter Women’s Lives
Amiri, 30, was convicted of two counts of sexual assault and one attempted sexual assault, landing him a 36-month jail term. The sick attacks happened while the women were alone on their way to or from work, leaving them scared to walk alone and struggling to sleep.
- First victim ambushed at 6.30am, with Amiri demanding: “Just give me one kiss.”
- The second woman confronted on her path; when she refused, Amiri pushed her against a letterbox, still insisting on a kiss.
- The third victim, a student, was assaulted after midnight. Amiri forced kisses on her face and held her against the bushes despite her fight to escape.
Illegal Entry and Harsh Sentence
Southampton Crown Court heard Amiri entered the UK illegally on a “clandestine small boat” and was housed at Highfield House Hotel after seeking asylum. His claim was refused, but an appeal remains outstanding.
Prosecutor Gary Venturi said: “The Home Office received an asylum application from him, he was housed in Highfield House Hotel in Southampton, his asylum application was refused by December 20, 2024, and an appeal is outstanding.”
Amiri also pleaded guilty to entering the UK without permission, breaching the Immigration Act 1971. Besides jail, he’s been slapped with a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.
Court Details Reveal Shocking Behaviour
The third victim described Amiri’s unwanted advances in chilling detail. He complimented her, ignored her protests that she had a boyfriend, and aggressively grabbed her wrist before forcing unwanted kisses.
“She describes attempts to put his tongue in her mouth, smearing his mouth across her face… When she tried to run away, Mr Amiri grabbed her wrist again, shoving her into bushes and holding her tightly.”
CCTV footage and DNA evidence from saliva on the victim’s face confirmed Amiri’s guilt.
Police Praise Victims’ Bravery
Detective Chief Inspector Michael Higgins of Hampshire Constabulary said: “Sohail Amiri’s behaviour was predatory and created a great deal of fear and anxiety for all three women, who should be able to feel safe in their own community. Their courage and bravery throughout meant we have been able to present a case to the court which Amiri has had no choice but to plead guilty to.”
Background
In his defence, Amiri’s lawyer revealed he fled the Taliban after his father was murdered and tried to help anti-Taliban fighters before seeking sanctuary in the UK.
