Sex attack accused ‘high on drugs’

AN Oldham man accused of sexual assaulting and trying to rape a teenage girl at Spindles shopping centre, appeared high on drugs at the time, a court heard.

Mohammed Hassan (25) deliberately targeted the 19 year old, trying first to chat to her, then using force in an attempt to get what he wanted.

A trial jury at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court heard how he physically pinned the terrified girl against a brick wall while he attacked her on the morning of Bank Holiday Monday, last August.

The trial jury was told that when his attempts to persuade and cajole her to do what he wanted failed, he tried to forcibly remove her trousers and pants in order to rape her.

His victim, who cannot be named, told police he had been “steamed”, with wide staring eyes. “I could tell he was high” she said. “I was really scared. I wanted to scream, but he warned me to keep quiet.”

After struggling with him, she took a chance to run to security men.

Hassan, of Windsor Road, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexual assault against the teenager on August 26, and two counts of attempted rape.

The girl, who sat behind a protective screen in court while the videotaped interview was seen by jurors, told police Hassan had rubbed his hands all over her body as he pinned her against a wall. She said he put his hands down her trousers before trying to pull down her clothing. Then he exposed himself and tried to have sex with her.

The girl said her ordeal lasted for at least 10 minutes, during which time she tried her best to escape, but Hassan was stronger, and prevented her getting away.

(Proceeding)