Locations
Dalston Lane, Hackney, London, E8
Description
A man who sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl in the City of London was sentenced yesterday (Monday 7 September 2026) at Southwark Crown Court.
Sofiane Belasri, 41, of Dalston Lane, E8, was found guilty following a trial in July 2026.
On 4 July 2024, Belasri approached the victim, who was with her two friends, near Liverpool Street station. The friends went on to sit on some steps outside the station on Bishopsgate.
Belasri sat behind the victim and repeatedly touched her, grabbing her and putting his arms around her neck, while trying to kiss her.
The victim told him that she wasn’t interested and to get off her, but Belasri went on to put his arms over her shoulders and touched her breasts.
Belasri then offered to buy them a vape if they went down an alley with him and performed oral sex on him.
At this point, the victim’s friend ran across the road to Bishopsgate Police Station to report Belsari.
City of London Police officers immediately went to the scene and arrested Belasri for sexual assault.
Yesterday, the court gave Belasri a two-year suspended sentence. He was also placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years
Detective Inspector Matthew Alexander, of the Public Protection Unit at the City of London Police, said:
“I want to praise the victim and her friends for the bravery they have demonstrated in coming forward. Without her assistance we wouldn’t have been able to bring this case to court.
“We recognise that reporting offences of this nature can be difficult, and we would encourage anyone who has been affected, or who has concerns about the safety of another person, to contact police.
“Our specialist officers are trained to handle reports with care, sensitivity and professionalism, while working relentlessly to investigate offences and bring offenders to justice.
“Everyone has the right to feel safe. We will continue working closely with partners and communities to identify offenders, protect vulnerable people and keep the City a safe place for all who live, work and visit here.
“We are reviewing the sentence handed down by the court.”