Afghan Asylum Seeker Receives Prison Sentence for Sexual Assaults During Food Deliveries
An Afghan national seeking asylum in the United Kingdom has been convicted and imprisoned for sexually assaulting two women at their homes while working as a food delivery driver. Shafiullah Rasooli, aged twenty-nine and residing in Maidstone, Kent, was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault following a trial at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court.
Details of the Disturbing Offences
The court proceedings revealed that Rasooli, who was reportedly working illegally for the delivery service Deliveroo, committed what the judge described as 'wickedly and unfathomably' acts of molestation against his victims. The first incident occurred in June of last year when Rasooli delivered an online food order to a woman's residence.
As the victim opened her door to collect the meal, Rasooli made inappropriate remarks before forcibly entering the property and sexually assaulting her. He subsequently left the premises but returned later to commit an additional sexual offence. During this second encounter, Rasooli took the woman's mobile phone to input his own contact information.
Over the following days, police confirmed that Rasooli made a series of distressing phone calls to this victim, causing her significant emotional trauma. Exactly one week after the initial assault, on July third, Rasooli targeted a second woman during another food delivery.
Pattern of Predatory Behaviour
During this second attack, Rasooli made indecent comments to the woman and inquired about her relationship status before sexually assaulting her. Both women courageously reported these terrifying incidents to Kent Police, who immediately launched a thorough investigation.
Detectives successfully identified Rasooli's vehicle after meticulously reviewing closed-circuit television footage from the areas surrounding the crime scenes. This crucial evidence, combined with screenshots of the victims' food orders and the contact details Rasooli had provided, enabled officers to track down and arrest the perpetrator.
Sentencing and Police Response
On Wednesday, Rasooli was sentenced to two-and-a-half years imprisonment and received a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Detective Constable Matthew Kerr of Kent Police provided a statement regarding the case, emphasising the predatory nature of Rasooli's crimes.
'Rasooli exploited his delivery job to prey upon two vulnerable victims who had simply ordered food,' stated DC Kerr. 'His actions made these women feel unsafe and violated within their own homes, and he arrogantly believed he could evade justice. However, our prompt investigation led to his arrest, and he is now serving a prison sentence.'
The detective constable went on to commend both victims for their bravery in reporting these crimes and assisting throughout the subsequent trial. 'I hope they can find some closure knowing their actions have protected other potential victims from harm,' he added.
Deliveroo has been contacted for comment regarding Rasooli's employment status and the company's vetting procedures for delivery drivers. The case highlights serious concerns about background checks within the gig economy and the safety of customers receiving home deliveries.
