Poplar man who targeted women in subway under A12 convicted of sex attacks

Ali Husseini has been sentenced to six years and nine months in prison (credit: Met Police)

A man from Poplar has been sentenced after being convicted of a series of sex attacks.

Ali Husseini, of High Street, targeted lone women near a subway underneath the A12 in Poplar, in August and September last year.

The 27-year-old was sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, 6 August to six years and nine months’ in prison.

Husseini chased and sexually assaulted his victims.

In one case on Monday, 10 August 2020, Husseini followed a 32-year-old woman as she returned home from nearby shops.

As she walked through the subway he ran and grabbed the victim by her throat, forcing her forwards before sexually assaulting her.

The victim was able to bite Husseini’s arm causing him to let go and run away.

On Thursday, 3 September 2020, Husseini targeted a heavily pregnant female as she walked through the empty subway back to work.

The victim heard heavy footsteps behind her and Husseini slapped her from behind, causing the victim to scream and run away.

In another incident, on Friday, 4 September 2020, Husseini followed a 20-year-old female as she walked home from work.

The victim was held her by the throat up against the wall of the subway and Husseini then began touching her.

He tried to undo the victim’s trousers zip and started to undo his own. The victim began screaming which caused Husseini to run away.

Following an investigation, Husseini was arrested two weeks later. He was charged on Friday, 25 September 2020 and remanded in custody.

Husseini was found guilty of sexual assault by penetration and attempted sexual assault by penetration last Thursday. (Thursday, 5 August)

He had previously pleaded guilty to a further sexual assault on another victim ahead of the trial.

In addition to the prison sentence, Husseini will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years and placed on the sex offenders’ register.

Detective Constable Charlotte Baghurst, from the Specialist Crime Command, said: “Husseini carried out a number of violent and predatory attacks over a prolonged period of time, assaulting women as they unassumingly went about their day-to-day business.

“He targeted lone women and instilled fear in a community for a number of weeks. The verdict has certainly put a dangerous and predatory criminal behind bars.

“The impact of his actions on the victims is beyond imagination.

“I want to express my gratitude to these incredibly brave women who came forward to support this investigation, without which I have no doubt that Husseini would have continued his offending.

“I hope that the verdict offers some justice and reassurance as they work to rebuild their lives.

“The Met is absolutely committed to bringing justice to victims of sexual assault, and to making women and girls feel safe in London.

“Our teams stop at nothing to investigate reports of sexual offences and to provide support to victims.”

Anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence should contact police on 101.

In an emergency always dial 999. Advice and details of organisations that offer support can be found via the Met police website.

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