Same Alkfuv was spotted inappropriately touching himself at a Burger King inside Newcastle Central Station during half-term, with children present. The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 18, around 11am, and witnesses included a woman and five or six children.
Witnesses report inappropriate behaviour
Concerns were raised to the manager, who then witnessed the act. Neil Jones, prosecuting, told Newcastle Crown Court: "The Burger King manager got a complaint from a female customer that a male was inappropriately touching himself. He went to the dining area and witnessed Mr Alkfuv with both hands down his trousers making a rubbing motion towards his groin area. This was a momentary action lasting five to ten seconds."
The manager asked Alkfuv to leave, but he refused, leading to police being called. Officers attended, and LNER staff pointed out Alkfuv, who was arrested. During the arrest, he was found in possession of cocaine.
Defendant's explanation and court outcome
In police interview, Alkfuv said he had fallen asleep with his hands in his lap while in Burger King. He denied touching himself but then claimed not to remember if he had put his hands down his pants, adding that he may have done so when he fell asleep. He said he had been sleeping rough and suggested a third party had put the drugs in his pocket, stating he didn't have money for food so why would he buy drugs.
Alkfuv, 30, of no fixed address, who has no previous convictions in this country, pleaded guilty to outraging public decency and possessing cocaine. Having spent around four months remanded in custody, he was sentenced to a 12-month conditional discharge. After Judge Robert Adams indicated the type of sentence he was going to impose, no mitigation or information about Alkfuv's background was aired in court.
