Former BBC presenter Hardeep Singh Kohli has been convicted of indecent assault following an incident that took place at a Glasgow studio. The 54-year-old, known for his work on shows like "The One Show" and "Celebrity MasterChef", was found guilty after a trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court.
The offence occurred in 2013 when Kohli assaulted a woman in a studio setting. The victim, whose identity has been protected, reported the incident years later, leading to a police investigation and subsequent trial.
Details of the Case
During the trial, the court heard how Kohli had inappropriately touched the woman without her consent. The jury deliberated before returning a guilty verdict, dismissing Kohli's claims that the incident was accidental.
Sheriff Tom Hughes described the evidence against Kohli as "compelling" and deferred sentencing until next month, allowing for background reports to be prepared.
Kohli's Career and Fall from Grace
Once a prominent figure in British broadcasting, Kohli's career included appearances on BBC Radio 4 and various television programmes. However, his reputation has been severely damaged by the conviction.
Following the verdict, a BBC spokesperson stated that Kohli had not worked for the corporation in recent years and that they "take all allegations of misconduct seriously."
What Happens Next?
Kohli has been released on bail ahead of his sentencing hearing, scheduled for next month. Legal experts suggest he could face a custodial sentence given the nature of the offence.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about sexual misconduct in the media industry and the importance of victims coming forward, even years after an incident occurs.
