Algerian migrant who sexually assaulted vulnerable schoolgirl, 16, in an alleyway is spared jail

An Algerian migrant who sexually assaulted a vulnerable schoolgirl in an alleyway has avoided prison time with a suspended sentence. Sofiane Belasri, 41, molested the drunken 16-year-old after he approached her group of friends at Liverpool Street train station and offered to buy them wine on July 4, 2024. After buying them alcohol worth £12 from a nearby shop, he sat with them on steps across from the station and told the schoolgirl she was 'beautiful' before touching her breasts over her clothes.However police have said they are reviewing the sentence handed down by the court. After the girl told him she was 'gay' and wasn't interested in him, Belasri made sexual comments to her friends.He then offered to buy them vapes if they gave him oral sex in an alleyway near the station.One of the group went to nearby Bishopsgate Police station in the City of London to raise the alarm. Belasri was then arrested.Prosecuting, Wajahat Sherwani read a victim impact statement in which she said: 'Even though it was quite some time ago she feels cautious going out in London at night.' Algerian migrant Sofiane Belasri, 41, was sentenced to two years jail, suspended for two years, after he was convicted of sexual assault and sexual touchingBelasri has five previous convictions including theft and criminal damage between 2012 and 2024 but Derek Barry, defending, said it was an 'out of character incident'.The migrant failed to complete unpaid work following his last offence with 98 hours remaining.His right to remain in Britain expired in 2017 but he then attempted to renew without success, the court heard.Discussing his failure to complete the work, Mr Barry said: 'He seems to have started off well and then tailed off and it is disappointing. 'He started off well and then perhaps did the ostrich and put his head in the sand and thought there would be no repercussions.'Belasri, of Hackney, was sentenced to two years jail, suspended for two years, after he was convicted of sexual assault and sexual touching by a jury at Southwark Crown Court.He was also banned from approaching a female under 18 in a public place, unless it is as a result of his employment or in an emergency situation, for 10 years.He was also placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years, ordered to complete 15 sessions of the Building Choices programme (cognitive-behavioural programme) and a 20 hour rehabilitation activity requirement.Sentencing Belasri, the judge, Mr Recorder Margia Mostafa, said: 'The facts of the matter is you were taking advantage of a young girl who was drunk.'I take the view that you were attracted to the victim and offered to give the group money to buy alcohol. 'Having seen how drunk she was you decided to buy more alcohol for her in order to facilitate this offence.'You realised that she was drunk and young and thought you would take advantage of her.'Even though the incident happened a few years ago it still affects the girl deeply. She is cautious, especially cautious when she is in London. 'She feels very anxious around older people and in the presence of older men.'This incident has shaped how she feels when she is out late and makes her much more careful about where she is going. That is the impact on her.'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.'