‘Foot massage’ approach could put adman in jail

‘SUGGESTIVE REMARKS’ TO YOUNG WOMAN

A NOTTINGHAM advertising executive approached a female gym-goer in the street and offered to pay her £20 to let him massage her feet.

Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court heard how Shamas Khan, 32, of Brookside Avenue, Wollaton Vale, also made inappropriate comments about the victim, leaving her feeling scared and intimidated. She recorded part of the conversation.

Defending himself, Khan told the hearing he was “very apologetic” and said what he did was “a joke”.

But now a judge has warned him he could be sent to prison. Addressing a probation officer in court, District Judge Andrew Meachin said: “I am going to need a (pre-sentence) report.

“He made suggestive remarks to a young lady almost like she was a prostitute. It is important he cooperates with you because the sentencing powers, in this case, include custody.”

Rosie Mcdaid, prosecuting, said the woman left Clifford Health Club, Long Eaton, on September 23 around 9.30pm. She was alone, it was dark and she turned into Lawrence Street where she had left her vehicle in a car park.

“The defendant approached her and said ‘excuse me, excuse me, I don’t mean to get you off guard but I will give you money to massage your feet, you look like you have amazing feet.’”

The woman started to record him on her mobile phone as the conversation continued.

“She said she felt threatened and unsafe and tried not to turn her back on him, saying ‘I immediately felt intimidated, I got in my car and closed the door.’”

The victim drove home and called the police the next morning.

Since the incident the woman had stopped going to the gym and felt nervous about being alone.

“She said she feels like it was sexually motivated and really feels like she could have been sexually assaulted.”

Khan admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour and Judge Meachin said to him: “The facts of the case have been outlined by the prosecution. Do you accept that?”. He replied: “Yes.” The judge said: “Clearly she was a vulnerable lady and you made some provocative and intimidating comments towards her. What do you want to say to me about that?” Khan replied: “I am very apologetic, very ashamed and very sorry. It was a joke between me and my friend and I had no intention of causing any impact. “They were silly comments I made (that were) not in my nature. I am not proud of it at all. I am just very, very, very, apologetic for it. It was just a mistake.”

Asked how much he earns, Khan replied around £1,500 per month.

He will be sentenced on December 5. His bail conditions include not going to Clifford Health Club in Long Eaton and a 7pm-to-7am home curfew.

He made suggestive remarks to a young lady almost like she was a prostitute

District Judge Andrew Meachin