A 30-year-old Afghan migrant is facing a prison sentence after pleading guilty to sexual offences against three women in Southampton. The man also admitted to entering the United Kingdom illegally.
Sohail Amiri appeared at Southampton Crown Court on Monday, January 5, where he pleaded guilty to two charges of sexual assault involving two women. He also admitted to the attempted sexual assault of a third woman. A further charge relating to sexual assault was denied, and the prosecution accepted his plea.
The offences took place on September 23 and November 25 last year in different areas of Southampton. One incident reportedly happened in the early hours of the morning while a woman was walking alone, according to Hampshire Constabulary.
Amiri also pleaded guilty to entering the UK without permission in October 2023, an offence under the Immigration Act 1971. He spoke in court with the help of a Pashto interpreter.
At the time of the offences, Amiri was staying at a hotel in the Portswood area of Southampton that has been used to house migrants. The accommodation has previously been the focus of protests linked to immigration concerns.
Judge Nicholas Rowland adjourned the case until February 6 for sentencing and ordered that Amiri remain in custody until then. He told the defendant to expect a prison sentence.
Police said investigations were carried out following reports made by the victims, and the case was brought before the court after evidence was gathered.
The sentencing hearing next month will determine the length of Amiri’s prison term.
What happens next in this case?
The defendant will remain in custody and return to court on February 6, when the judge is expected to impose a prison sentence.