A man, described as a “prowler” by a judge, who sexually assaulted three schoolgirls and exposed himself to others will be released from prison within days after serving most of his 15-month sentence.
Muftah Mohammed, 32, of Chapel Street, Derby, is set to be freed on licence after spending the equivalent of 14 months on remand.
The offender, who required a North African Arabic interpreter during court proceedings, was convicted of three counts of sexual assault and two counts of indecent exposure following incidents in Derby city centre.
Derby Crown Court heard how Mohammed targeted multiple victims during a series of attacks on May 24, 2023, when he grabbed young girls and exposed himself to staff and customers in a bank.
Muftah Mohammed was convicted of three counts of sexual assault and two counts of indecent exposure following incidents in Derby city centre
Derbyshire Police
During the afternoon of May 24, Mohammed first entered a bank on East Street, where he dropped his trousers and exposed himself to workers and customers before leaving.
Prosecutor Steve Gosnell told the court Mohammed displayed “prowling behaviour” as he walked around the city centre and cathedral area approaching groups of people.
He targeted three 16-year-old schoolgirls in uniform, slapping one on her bottom while making lewd comments.
Mohammed then approached a second victim and grabbed her left breast before walking away.
The court heard he proceeded to assault a third schoolgirl by stroking her breasts and attempting to pull at her shirt, before exposing himself to the group and making inappropriate suggestions.
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Derby Crown Court heard how Mohammed targeted multiple victims during a series of attacks on May 24, 2023
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The victims of the assaults declined to provide impact statements, though members of the group he exposed himself to reported feeling “disgusted and discomforted.”
Recorder Mary Prior KC condemned Mohammed’s actions during sentencing, stating: “None of your victims should have been subjected to any kind of sexual assault in the middle of the day in Derby city centre.”
She added that the victims “will have been impacted in their ability to do what young 16-year-old girls should be able to do, which is to walk around without fear of being attacked by a complete stranger.”
In mitigation, defence lawyer Lesley Pidcock said Mohammed had been under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time of the offences and suffered from mental health issues.
“He is sorry, he is remorseful and he does regret his actions,” Pidcock told the court, adding: “Let’s put it plainly, it was not normal behaviour in inverted commas, and it is clear he has not behaved in this way before.”
Mohammed pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault and two counts of indecent exposure.
The court heard he had 11 previous court appearances for 22 offences, though none were of a sexual nature.
The judge ordered Mohammed to sign the sex offender register for 10 years and imposed a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.
Having served the equivalent of a 14-month sentence on remand, Mohammed will be released in the coming days.
He will serve the remainder of his sentence on licence in the UK, a condition related to his immigration status.
