Man Jailed for Sexual Assault in Hull City Centre

A 26-year-old man has been jailed for a year after being convicted of sexually assaulting a woman in Hull city centre in the early hours of 28 April.

Zayed Alanzi, a Kuwaiti national staying at the Royal Hotel in Hull, was found guilty by magistrates of forcefully kissing the victim after she repeatedly refused his advances and told him to leave her alone.

The court heard that Alanzi approached the woman, described as vulnerable at the time of the incident, and “would not take no for an answer” when she rejected his attempts to persuade her to accompany him back to his accommodation.

Attack Details

According to evidence presented to Hull magistrates, when the victim continued to refuse, Alanzi grabbed her by the cheeks, squeezing her face before forcing a kiss on her mouth and pushing his tongue inside.

The woman managed to wrestle him off and, concerned that a teenage girl nearby might become his next target, bravely acted as a decoy to protect the younger person until police arrived at the scene.

I told him I wanted to be left alone on numerous occasions,” the victim told the court, describing Alanzi as a “complete stranger” whose attack left her feeling “violated.

Victim’s Brave Actions

In her testimony, the victim explained her decision to remain in the area despite the assault: “It was either that or he would do it to the other one. He asked me to go up a road. I said ‘No. I’m going that way’, and that’s when the police turned up.

The married defendant, speaking through an Arabic interpreter, claimed he was merely trying to help the woman to her feet and that she had consented to the kiss. However, magistrates rejected his version of events.

Sentencing and Consequences

Hull magistrates sentenced Alanzi to 12 months in prison, though he may serve less than half this sentence under standard release provisions. He was also ordered to pay £187 in costs and has been placed on the sex offenders’ register.

Officials are expected to seek deportation proceedings against Alanzi following his conviction.

Context of Asylum Accommodation

The case comes amid ongoing concerns about asylum accommodation in the UK. Recent data obtained through Freedom of Information requests revealed that the Home Office recorded 1,500 complaints about asylum hotels in 2023, including allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation and poor living conditions.

As of June 2024, approximately 30,000 asylum seekers were living in government-funded hotel accommodation across the UK, with many facilities facing criticism over safety and security measures.

Legal Framework

Under UK law, sexual assault carries serious penalties, with sentencing guidelines taking into account factors such as the vulnerability of the victim, the use of force, and the impact on the victim.

The placement on the sex offenders’ register means Alanzi will be subject to notification requirements and monitoring, designed to protect the public from further offences.

The case highlights ongoing challenges in managing asylum accommodation and ensuring public safety, with authorities balancing humanitarian obligations with community protection concerns.

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