Iraqi hotel migrant who raped woman in Kensington hostel while claiming asylum faces years in prison

Iraqi Hotel Migrant Faces Prison Sentence After Rape Conviction in Kensington Hostel Case

A 30-year-old Iraqi asylum seeker accused of sexually assaulting a woman during a late-night encounter at a South Kensington hostel has been found guilty by a jury.

Yousif Al-Maliki, an Iraqi national, is set to receive a prison sentence after a week-long trial at Southwark Crown Court. The incident occurred in August last year while he resided at the Astor Hostel in South Kensington, London.

Al-Maliki, who claims he fled to the UK to escape torture in Baghdad, initially denied the rape allegations. However, the jury convicted him today, marking a pivotal moment in his legal journey.

During the trial, it was revealed that Al-Maliki and the victim had spent the evening in Soho. Upon returning to the hostel, the woman repeatedly expressed her disinterest in sexual activity. Despite her objections, Al-Maliki insisted they would engage in sex that night.

The prosecution, led by Jose Olivares-Chandler, highlighted that the defendant began touching the complainant sexually, disregarding her clear refusal.

“The defendant then started to touch her sexually to which the complainant said no, moving his hands away,” the prosecutor stated.

Further testimony indicated that Al-Maliki persisted in his actions, attempting to place his hands under her shorts.

“The defendant was unrelenting however and tried to put his hands under her shorts, to which she said no,” Olivares-Chandler added.

The assault took place in a shared 12-bed dormitory. Al-Maliki was remanded in custody, with sentencing scheduled for April 21.

Judge Christopher Hehir emphasized the gravity of the offense, stating,

“You have been convicted by a jury of a very serious offence. Be under no illusion, you will be going to prison for some time.”

Al-Maliki, an asylum seeker, was staying at the Peckham Lodge Hotel, which is approved by the Home Office, when the rape charge was filed. He followed the proceedings from the dock, supported by an Arabic interpreter.

The judge questioned the necessity of the interpreter, noting,

“He understands English perfectly well,” the judge remarked.

His asylum application remains on hold until the criminal case concludes. Lawyers representing Al-Maliki described him as a bisexual Iraqi who admits to entering the UK illegally but asserts he sought safety from persecution.

Before sentencing, Al-Maliki will undergo a dangerousness assessment by the probation service.