Saudi National Appears in Court Over Tube Station Assault Allegation
A 39-year-old Saudi Arabian asylum seeker has appeared before a crown court in London, facing a charge of sexual assault allegedly committed at a busy Tube station. Muslih Alotaibi is accused of groping a woman at Bank Underground station on 13th April.
Details of the Alleged Offence
The prosecution alleges that Alotaibi intentionally touched the female passenger, who was aged over 16, without her consent. It is further claimed that he did not have any reasonable belief that she was consenting to the physical contact. The incident is said to have occurred within the station premises, a major transport hub in the heart of the City of London.
Appearing at Inner London Crown Court, Alotaibi wore a grey and blue waterproof coat and was assisted throughout the proceedings by an Arabic interpreter. The defendant was due to enter a formal plea to the charge, but the hearing could not proceed as planned.
Case Adjourned for Legal Representation
The plea hearing was adjourned until 9th January because Alotaibi was currently unrepresented by legal counsel. Judge Benedict Kelleher addressed the defendant directly, explaining the nature of the accusation. "First of all, you are charged with, or are accused of sexual assault, which the prosecution say happened on a train at Bank Underground station," the judge stated.
Judge Kelleher acknowledged Alotaibi's position, adding, "I understand that you say it's not true, so the case will go before a jury and you will have the chance to give evidence before a jury." A trial date has been set for 16th April next year, where a jury will ultimately decide the outcome of the case.
