A man has been fined £400 for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl during a Harry Potter sightseeing tour. Abdul Barkeeh Salihi, 24, touched the girl inappropriately at Leadenhall Market in the City of London while she was visiting the filming location for Diagon Alley with her family.
Following the assault, the girl’s family confronted Salihi at Rocca restaurant in Leadenhall Market, leading to an altercation where he threw a chair through a window. Earlier that day, Salihi had also harassed a 42-year-old woman by slapping her buttocks after following her briefly along Lombard Street.
Salihi, an Afghan national, confessed to two counts of sexual assault and criminal damage. He received a £400 fine plus a £160 victim surcharge and will be listed on the sex offenders register for the next five years.
Detective Constable Natalie Schofield from City of London Police described the incidents as distressing daytime assaults against two females going about their daily routines. She commended the victims for their bravery in coming forward and aiding the investigation.
Leadenhall Market, known for its history dating back to the 14th century and as a setting for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films, witnessed the first assault by Salihi on a woman walking in the rain near Mansion House. Salihi followed and then physically harassed her.
Later that same day, the 14-year-old girl felt Salihi touch her, prompting her family to confront him at Rocca Italian restaurant. Salihi’s defiant behavior led to a scuffle, during which he threw a chair through a window before being subdued by the public and subsequently arrested.
Salihi pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced by Judge Ian Darling on July 13.