Rachid Bouasria, 25, faces consequences after assaulting a stranger in Aberdeen.
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A 25-year-old man has been placed on the sex offenders register following a disturbing incident in Aberdeen, where he sexually assaulted a 75-year-old woman. Rachid Bouasria, who was living in Westhill at the time of the incident, was found guilty of the assault that took place on October 10 last year.
Details of the assault
The assault occurred in a secluded side street near the Castlegate area of Aberdeen. According to reports presented in the Aberdeen Sheriff Court, Bouasria approached the elderly woman without warning. He proceeded to kiss her on the face, grope her, and wrap his arm around her, causing significant distress to the victim.
The court heard that Bouasria was a stranger to the woman, making the attack even more shocking.
Impact of alcohol and mental health issues
During the court proceedings, Bouasria’s solicitor, Jenny Logan, revealed that her client had consumed a considerable amount of alcohol on the day of the incident. She stated that Bouasria could not recall the events leading up to the assault, attributing his behavior to struggles with mental health that sometimes lead him to excessive drinking. Logan emphasized that Bouasria was genuinely remorseful and described the incident as out of character for him.
Legal consequences and community service
As a result of his actions, Sheriff Morag McLaughlin imposed a community payback order with supervision for 18 months. Bouasria is also required to complete 150 hours of unpaid work. Furthermore, he must inform social workers about any future relationships he develops with women, a stipulation aimed at preventing further incidents. The court placed Bouasria on the sex offenders register for a period of 18 months, marking a significant consequence for his actions.
This case highlights the serious nature of sexual assault and the legal repercussions that follow such offenses. The community’s safety remains a priority, and the court’s decision reflects a commitment to addressing these issues effectively. For ongoing updates on court cases and crime incidents in Aberdeen, residents are encouraged to join local community groups.
