A Syrian refugee who prowled the streets of Weymouth in search of vulnerable women has been sentenced to two years and 10 months in prison for sexually assaulting a teenage girl, after a judge rejected claims that imprisonment would breach his human rights.
Hassan Abou Hayleh, 40, attacked the 19-year-old victim in the early hours of 18 December 2022 after spotting her sitting alone on a kerb whilst waiting for her father to collect her from a night out. The married father-of-four was also handed a six-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order following his conviction.
CCTV footage showed Hayleh driving around Weymouth town centre at 3.25am on December 18, 2022, looking for vulnerable women to target. The predator made three circuits of the town centre with a packet of condoms in his car, later claiming he was searching for cigarettes when prosecutors argued he was hunting for victims.
The Attack
The court heard how Hayleh approached the teenager after she had left a nightclub and called her father for a lift home. After helping her up from the ground, he placed his hands down her trousers and inside her underwear before trying to get her into his car.
The victim, who had been drinking, refused his advances and shouted for help to three passers-by who were walking nearby. Their timely intervention prevented what Judge Robert Pawson said could have been a far worse outcome.
“I shudder to think what might have happened,” the judge stated during sentencing, adding that the members of the public who intervened “saved the day.”
The victim’s father arrived at the scene shortly after Hayleh had driven away, having been alerted by his daughter’s distress.
Human Rights Defence Rejected
Bournemouth Crown Court heard that Hayleh had sought asylum in the UK in 2018 after fleeing Syria, where he claimed to have been imprisoned and tortured under the regime of former president Bashar al-Assad. His defence counsel, Graham Gilbert, argued that sending Hayleh to prison could violate his human rights due to his post-traumatic stress disorder.
“He has several symptoms of PTSD which would be made worse by a custodial sentence. It would also be made worse without the support of his wife and friends,” Gilbert said. The defence invoked Article Three of the European Convention of Human Rights, which prohibits torture, inhumane treatment and degrading punishment.
However, Judge Pawson dismissed these arguments, describing Hayleh’s actions as “chilling” and noting that the offence was clearly premeditated. “The facts of this case are chilling. It is absolutely clear that this offence was planned,” he stated.
Victim Impact
In a powerful victim impact statement read to the court, the young woman described the lasting psychological effects of the assault. It is hard not to think about how I could have been raped or murdered if I had not said no,” she said. “I now have nightmares with a faceless man which makes me feel entrapped.”
The victim explained how the attack had affected multiple aspects of her life. “I am sympathetic for his PTSD but I have now had to seek help for the issues. It has affected my school life, work life and home life,” she added.
Political Outcry
The case initially sparked significant political controversy when sentencing was postponed in February 2025 to consider the human rights arguments. Prominent political figures, including Chris Philp and Robert Jenrick, voiced their disapproval, criticizing what they described as the prioritization of the offender’s rights over the safety of the community.
Chris Philp described the situation as “outrageous” and called for reforms to human rights laws to prevent similar cases from undermining public safety in the future. The delay in sentencing led to widespread public concern, with many questioning whether mental health considerations would allow a convicted sexual predator to avoid imprisonment.
Judge’s Verdict
Despite the defence’s arguments about Hayleh’s mental health, Judge Pawson ultimately concluded that a custodial sentence was necessary. He emphasised the calculated nature of the crime, noting that “the CCTV evidence reveals that he made three circuits of Weymouth that night. The condoms in his car were not there by accident.”
The judge particularly highlighted the vulnerability of the victim, who had been affected by alcohol when targeted. “She was particularly vulnerable. If ever there was a cautionary tale for young people to stay together then this is it,” Judge Pawson stated.
He also praised the bravery of the young people who intervened, saying: “I would like to thank the young men and women who stayed and helped her. They saved the day.”
Background and Defence Claims
Hayleh, who required an Arabic interpreter throughout court proceedings, appeared with three family members including his wife, who supported him during the trial. His defence counsel stated that since being found guilty in November 2024, Hayleh had been spat at and had his property damaged.
The defence maintained that Hayleh had no previous convictions and had expressed remorse for his actions. Mr Gilbert argued that “his fear of custody is likely to ensure that he remains on the right side of the law” and suggested that rehabilitation rather than imprisonment would be more appropriate.
The lawyer also raised concerns about prison conditions, stating: “The prison state is struggling with the numbers that they are being asked to hold. There is nothing within the services of the prison estate that could treat him.”
Timeline of Events
The assault occurred in December 2022, but Hayleh was not convicted until November 2024, highlighting delays in the criminal justice system. The Syrian arrived in the UK in 2020 and had been living in Weymouth, Dorset.
When initially questioned by police, Hayleh claimed it was a misunderstanding, saying he had only tried to help the victim by pulling up her exposed trousers after she hugged him. This version of events was contradicted by CCTV evidence and witness testimony.
Sentencing Outcome
Hassan Abou Hayleh was ultimately jailed for two years and 10 months, with Judge Pawson also imposing a six-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order to protect the public upon his release. The sentence may be subject to appeal, though no indication has been given that Hayleh intends to challenge the decision.
The case has reignited debates about balancing human rights considerations with public safety, particularly in cases involving serious sexual offences. It also raises questions about the treatment of asylum seekers who commit crimes and the extent to which past trauma can be considered in sentencing decisions.
The successful prosecution and eventual imprisonment of Hayleh sends a clear message that sexual predators will face justice regardless of their background or circumstances, whilst also highlighting the importance of bystander intervention in preventing serious sexual assaults.
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Image Credit (Shortened):
Bournemouth Combined Court Centre – by Napper Collerton / Napper Architects, via Wikimedia Commons.
