Mohamad Sarouji

A Syrian restaurant worker, Mohamad Sarouji, aged 20, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison at St Albans Crown Court for sexually assaulting a woman in Watford. The incident occurred on 15 October 2016, when the victim, a woman in her twenties, left Cameo nightclub in the early hours of a Tuesday morning after consuming half a pint of beer.

Prosecutor Michael Williams detailed how Sarouji, who was sitting outside Rooster’s chicken shop having a meal, began following the woman through Watford town centre for approximately seven minutes, as captured on CCTV footage. The woman was unaware of being tailed until she entered Victoria Passage, where she heard footsteps behind her. She attempted to walk away quickly, but Sarouji caught up, touched her bottom, and grabbed her arms above the elbow. With his jeans unzipped, he exposed his aroused penis and repeatedly urged her, saying 'Come on. Come on.' The victim feared she was about to be raped and shouted for help, calling out her landlord's name, who lived nearby. Sarouji fled after about 30 seconds.

The assault left the woman too scared to go out at night. Police traced Sarouji using CCTV and arrested him. During questioning, aided by an Arabic interpreter, he admitted to the offence, stating he became sexually aroused when she walked past and followed her wanting oral sex. Sarouji, of Market Street, Watford, pleaded guilty to sexual assault at the first opportunity.

Defending barrister Stuart Sprawson argued that Sarouji was of previous good character, immature, and sexually confused, with no significant planning involved—it was a coincidence. He highlighted Sarouji's remorse and a genetic liver disorder that caused his sister's death at age 17. Sarouji was staying at the town's Travelodge while awaiting council accommodation.

Judge Stephen Gullick, in sentencing, emphasised that young women deserve to walk streets safely without molestation. He described the offence as extremely serious, noting Sarouji targeted the victim to satisfy his sexual needs, causing an unpleasant and unjustified experience. A probation assessment deemed him at high risk of re-offending, requiring lifelong registration on the Sex Offender Register.