Sohail Amiri

Sohail Amiri, a 30-year-old man from Afghanistan staying at the Highfield House Hotel in Southampton as part of Home Office-organised asylum accommodation, appeared at Southampton Crown Court on Monday, January 5, 2025, where he pleaded guilty to multiple sexual offences.

Amiri, of Highfield Lane, Southampton, admitted two charges of sexual assault against two women, which occurred on September 23, 2024, and November 25, 2024. He also pleaded guilty to attempted sexual assault on a third woman on September 23, 2024, though he denied the full charge of sexual assault against her. Additionally, Amiri admitted to entering the United Kingdom without leave on October 23, 2023, contrary to Section 24 of the Immigration Act 1971. He spoke through a Pashto interpreter during the proceedings.

The incidents took place in Southampton. The September 23 assaults occurred in Westwood Road, while the November 25 incident happened in the early hours in Upper Shaftesbury Avenue. According to a Hampshire Constabulary spokesman, the woman in the November incident was walking along the road just after midnight when she was approached by Amiri, who allegedly tried to kiss her. She managed to force him off and run away.

Judge Nicholas Rowland adjourned the case for sentencing on February 6, 2025, and remanded Amiri in custody until then. Addressing Amiri directly, Judge Rowland stated: "You will be sentenced on February 6. You will be remanded in custody and you will be brought to court for sentence. You must expect a prison sentence of some length on that occasion. You are remanded in custody." The Highfield House Hotel in Portswood, where Amiri was staying, has been the site of repeated anti-immigration protests.

This case was reported by the Daily Echo, with details confirmed through court records and statements from Hampshire Constabulary.