Man admits sex attack on teenage girl at Pride

A man watched a teenage girl from a distance at last year’s Sunderland Pride festival – then approached her from behind and sexually assaulted her, a court heard.

Rajib Hussain, 32, of Northcote Avenue, Hendon, was spotted on CCTV, eyeing the girl on Sunday, September 29.

South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court was told he then went up to her, putting his hands on her hips and holding her to him.

Hussain, a Bangladeshi national who required an interpreter in court, only backed off when the girl called for help from two women.

He has now been told all sentencing options remain open, which includes the possibility of jail, after he pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual assault.

In a statement from the victim read to the court, she said: “Although I had been drinking, I had been enjoying my day out and didn’t consent to being touched in this way. It was disgusting and uncalled for.

“No female should be made to feel as I did. I was scared, and I’m so grateful to the two girls who helped me. This man did not speak to me. He simply felt that he could grab me and get a sexual thrill out of it. I want him to understand that his actions were vile and scary. I will not be intimidated though.”

District Judge Paul Currer told Hussain: “This remains a serious offence, where you have caused great upset to the young girl. Because I’m adjourning the case for a presentence report does not give you any indication of what sentence you may get. All sentencing options remain open.”

The case was adjourned to the same court on March 11.