Failed Asylum Seeker Who Was Invited to a Flat by a Roommate Met a Young Woman There and Started Touching Her. She Told Him to Stop, But What He Did Next Changed Everything

A failed Kurdish asylum seeker has been jailed after sexually attacking a 19-year-old university student inside her student accommodation in Birmingham.

Mohammad Hasani, 29, sexually assaulted the young woman after he was invited to the flat by her roommate. The court heard that although the student repeatedly rejected his advances and clearly told him to stop, he ignored her and forced himself on her inside her own bedroom.

Following a four-day trial at Birmingham Crown Court, a jury found Hasani guilty of four sexual offences, including assault by penetration.

The court heard that Hasani arrived in the UK in 2022 and claimed asylum, saying he had worked as a border porter in Iran and feared returning because the job was considered illegal. His asylum claim was still being processed when the attack happened on 1 October 2024. His asylum application was later refused, although he had appealed the decision. The appeal could not move forward while he remained in custody.

Judge Richard Bond sentenced Hasani to a total of four and a half years in prison. During sentencing, the judge ordered that a copy of his sentencing remarks should be sent to the Home Office so the offences could be considered when deciding whether Hasani should be allowed to remain in the UK.

The judge told Hasani that people in Britain had offered him help when he came to the country seeking protection, but instead he committed serious sexual offences. He said those crimes must be taken into account when the Home Office makes a final decision on his immigration case.

The court heard that Hasani had arranged to visit the flat where the two university students lived. One of the students was dating one of his family members, and he arrived carrying food for them.

At first, the visit appeared friendly. Hasani played loud Kurdish music, and the two women danced with him. However, the atmosphere quickly changed after one of the students left the room.

Hasani then asked the 19-year-old woman to give him a massage. She refused, but despite her answer, he started massaging her shoulders and back, making her feel uncomfortable.

The student later showed him around the flat. When they reached her bedroom, Hasani closed the door behind them.

Judge Bond said he believed Hasani had already decided he wanted sexual contact with the young woman. The judge also noted that the victim had autism, explaining that she often needed extra time to process information and answer questions. He said this also explained why she tried to avoid creating conflict during the attack.

The court heard that when the student tried to leave her bedroom, Hasani blocked the door. She then sat on her bed holding her phone, but he climbed on top of her and began kissing and touching her against her wishes.

The judge said Hasani knew the woman was not consenting because she kept turning her head away and repeatedly said, “No more.”

During the assault, Hasani asked her if she loved him. She replied, “I do not know you.”

As the victim tried to escape, Hasani forced her back onto the bed and put his hands inside her shorts despite her repeated objections.

The assault continued for some time. The court heard that Hasani pinned the woman’s hands against the headboard of the bed before they eventually returned to the living room where the other student was waiting.

Afterwards, the victim called her boyfriend before taking a shower and brushing her teeth.

Later, Hasani and the other student entered the victim’s bedroom again. Despite her objections, he continued touching her leg and thigh.

The court heard that Hasani then showed the victim videos of cats on his mobile phone. Judge Bond said this appeared to be a deliberate distraction so he could continue touching her breasts over her clothing.

After the incident, the victim called Hasani a taxi and he left the flat. She contacted police in the early hours of the next morning to report what had happened. Officers arrested Hasani about a week later.

Judge Bond said the attack had a devastating effect on the young woman. He described it as a prolonged series of sexual assaults that left her deeply traumatised and affected her daily life.

The victim later received psychological treatment and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the attack.

Hasani, who had no previous criminal convictions, was supported in court by several family members and friends. However, the judge said a pre-sentence report found that he showed a complete lack of empathy towards the victim.