Derry Court: Suspended sentence for man (28) who admitted sexual assault

A man who fled the war in Syria and whose sister was killed in a bombing there appeared at Derry Magistrate's Court yesterday (Friday) where he admitted a charge of sexual assault that occurred in Derry.

Safar Ezzeddim (28) with an address at Strandview Street in Belfast admitted one charge of sexual assault that occurred on May 26 last year. 

The court heard that on that date a woman attended the address where Ezzeddim was residing in Derry for business purposes. 

When she tried to leave the defendant blocked the corridor and then tried to kiss her before touching her inappropriately. 

Afterwards he messaged her on several occasions and then apologised. 

At interview he told police he only wanted to be friends with the woman. 

Defence counsel Stephen Mooney said these were serious offences but added the defendant had no record. 

He said that the defendant had fled Syria before ending up here applying for asylum. 

District Judge Barney McElholm said that this man had experienced 'a very traumatic period in his life' but he had 'crossed the line.' 

He imposed a sentence of 3 months suspended for 2 years and ordered Ezzeddim to sign the Sex Offender's Register for a period of 7 years.