Darban Shahi

Darban Shahi, a 26-year-old man from Nepal residing in Westcliff, pleaded guilty at Basildon Crown Court to two counts of sexual assault against women in the Southend area. The offences occurred on 4 January 2024, when Shahi sexually assaulted one woman in Southend, and on 11 January 2024, when he assaulted another woman in Westcliff. Both incidents involved sexual touching without consent, which carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison.

The guilty pleas were entered on what was scheduled to be the first day of Shahi's trial. Throughout the day, prosecution and defence barristers negotiated a potential plea bargain that would have allowed Shahi to plead to lesser common assault charges instead. However, the Crown Prosecution Service rejected the deal at the last minute, leading Shahi to admit the full sexual assault charges. Recorder Ben Irwin, sitting as the judge, postponed sentencing for six weeks to allow the probation service to prepare a comprehensive pre-sentence report, known as an 'all options report'. This report will include interviews with Shahi to assess his circumstances and recommend an appropriate sentence, which could range from a suspended term to imprisonment.

During the hearing, Shahi sought an indication of his likely sentence before entering his pleas. Defence barrister Eve George highlighted Shahi's previous good character and personal circumstances, noting, 'This is a man of previous good character who has got a very young baby – four weeks old – who has been outside the whole time.' Prosecutor Rebecca Willoughby outlined the seriousness of the offences. Judge Irwin advised Shahi to be open and honest in his probation interview, stating, 'It’s going to be really important that you are just open and honest with them. Talk to them and explain what was going on. There will be a report for a different judge and you want that judge to know as much as possible about what was going on in your life in January 2024.' The judge emphasised factors such as remorse and admissions of responsibility in considering rehabilitation prospects, suggesting a sentence under two years could be suspended.

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for 6 November 2024 at Basildon Crown Court. This case was reported exclusively by Charles Thomson, Crime & Investigations Reporter for the Echo, based on proceedings at the court. No further details on the victims or specific circumstances of the assaults were disclosed in open court to protect their privacy.