A man sexually assaulted three women in Liverpool city centre in the space of just four days.
Ahmed Al-Razawe sexually assaulted two teenage friends at Liverpool One bus station last autumn. The victims were waiting for a taxi when they were attacked, at around 11.30pm, on Saturday, October 23.
He then sexually and physically assaulted a woman in her 20s, in Kent Street, off Duke Street, on Wednesday, October 27. She was physically injured during the attack by the 23-year-old predator, at around 12.40am.
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Al-Razawe, of Upper Park Street, Toxteth, was later arrested and charged in November with three counts of sexual assault and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm. He appeared in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court this morning for sentence, assisted by an Arabic interpreter, having pleaded guilty to all four charges.
However, the judge, Recorder Ian Harris, said he required more information before passing sentence and was concerned by the lack of a pre-sentence report. Recorder Harris said he needed to consider the issue of "dangerousness" - whether Al-Razawe is dangerous, as defined in law - and wanted to know more about his background.
If he is found to be dangerous, Al-Razawe may receive an extended sentence. That would mean he would have to spend two thirds, rather than half of the sentence, behind bars, before he is released on licence.
Ken Heckle, defending, said it had previously been thought Al-Razawe was in the UK illegally, but "it transpires he may be an asylum seeker". Mr Heckle said Al-Razawe had no previous convictions, either here or in his home country.
Recorder Harris said he believed the Prison Service may also benefit from a report from the Probation Service about Al-Razawe and that he wanted to know more about his attitude towards his offences. The judge said: "He may be full of remorse. He may regard females, to put it bluntly, as part of the marketplace and that he can approach them and does as he wants, as and when he sees the need.
"These are matters I just can't work out, without seeing an independent assessment."
Recorder Harris said without a further report "I don't know what I don't know". He ordered that one be prepared, considering "all issues" including dangerousness.
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The judge, who reserved the case to himself, adjourned sentencing until April 14. He remanded Al-Razawe in custody until that date.
Speaking in the aftermath of the attacks, Detective Inspector Jennifer Beck, of Merseyside Police, said: "Sexual assault is a terrifying crime which can have a catastrophic effect on victims for the rest of their lives. We urge anyone who has been a victim of any sexual assault to contact Merseyside Police as there is help and support available to you.
"We have specially trained officers who will listen and treat you with sensitivity and compassion. There are also a number of reliable and trusted organisations and charities who will support you throughout – from your initial report, through the court process and beyond.
"On busy nights we have additional officers in key locations who are tasked with identifying potential perpetrators who are displaying signs of predatory behaviour such as loitering without good reason, or giving or approaching females with unwanted attention. Staff in licensed premises and other partners have also been given bystander training to help them identify individuals acting suspiciously. Officers are also vigilant to help anyone who may be vulnerable and consider any immediate safeguarding concerns.
"I would encourage anyone with any concerns to seek assistance from bar and door staff or speak to our uniformed officers on the streets who can offer immediate assistance."
Anyone with information or wants to report a sexual offence is asked to call 101 where you will be spoken to by specially trained officers or you can pass information to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Support for victims is also available through the registered charity the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre Cheshire and Merseyside, who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063 or Rape and Sexual Assault Merseyside (RASA) on 0151 558 1801. In an emergency, always call 999.
