Man receives suspended sentence for Liverpool Street sexual assault

Sofiane Belasri, 41, has been given a two-year suspended sentence for sexually assaulting a teenage girl and attempting to bribe her near Liverpool Street station. The incident occurred on July 4, 2024, and Belasri was arrested at the scene by City of London Police. He was found guilty of sexual assault and attempted bribery following a trial in July 2026.

Details of the incident

On July 4, 2024, Belasri approached a 16-year-old girl and her friends near Liverpool Street station. He sat behind the victim and touched her repeatedly, including putting his arms around her neck and touching her breasts, despite her telling him she was not interested. Belasri then offered to buy the group a vape if they accompanied him to an alleyway and performed oral sex. The victim's friend alerted police officers who were stationed nearby at Bishopsgate Police Station.

Court outcome and police response

On September 7, Belasri received a two-year suspended sentence at Southwark Crown Court. Detective Inspector Matthew Alexander of the City of London Police praised the victim and her friends for their bravery in coming forward. He stated that the police are reviewing the sentence handed down by the court.

Detective Inspector Alexander added that City of London Police specialist officers are trained to handle such reports with care and sensitivity, and that the force is committed to working with partners and communities to identify offenders and keep the City safe. He encouraged anyone affected by similar offences to contact the police.