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Serial offender Sofiane Belasri was handed down a suspended sentence after a court ruled he acted 'out of character'

An Algerian migrant who sexually assaulted a teenage girl in a London alleyway has been spared jail.

Sofiane Belasri, 41, violated the 16-year-old schoolgirl after approaching her while she was with a group of friends outside Liverpool Street Station in July 2024.

He sat on the steps opposite the station with the group after buying alcohol for them from a nearby shop, before telling the girl she was "beautiful".

The 41-year-old proceeded to touch the victim's breasts over her clothes, with the girl quickly telling him she was "gay" and not interested in him.

After he was rejected, the migrant began making sexual comments towards the girl's friends.

He then asked whether the girls would perform oral sex on him in a nearby alleyway in exchange for buying them vapes.

The 41-year-old was finally arrested after one member of the group went to Bishopsgate Police Station to report his behaviour.

Reading out a victim impact statement to the court, prosecutor Wajahat Sherwani said: "Even though it was quite some time ago she feels cautious going out in London at night."

Derek Barry, defending, described Belasri's actions as an "out of character incident" - despite having five previous convictions for offences such as theft and criminal damage.

Following his last conviction, the 41-year-old failed to complete the unpaid work he was ordered to do with five previous convictions including theft and criminal damage.

Mr Barry said: "He seems to have started off well and then tailed off and it is disappointing.

"He started off well and then perhaps did the ostrich and put his head in the sand and thought there would be no repercussions."

Southwark Crown Court heard the Algerian national's right to remain in Britain expired in 2017 and he had unsuccessfully attempted to renew it.

After being convicted of sexual assault and sexual touching, Belasri was sentenced to two years in prison suspended for two years.

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The 41-year-old was also prohibited from approaching a female under 18 in a public place - unless it is as a result of his employment or in an emergency situation - for 10 years.

He was also placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years, ordered to complete 15 sessions of a cognitive-behavioural programme and a 20 hour rehabilitation activity requirement.

Police confirmed they have launched a review into the sentence handed down to the 41-year-old.

Mr Recorder Margia Mostafa, sentencing, said: "The facts of the matter is you were taking advantage of a young girl who was drunk.

"I take the view that you were attracted to the victim and offered to give the group money to buy alcohol.

"Having seen how drunk she was you decided to buy more alcohol for her in order to facilitate this offence.

"You realised that she was drunk and young and thought you would take advantage of her."

Mr Mostafa added: "Even though the incident happened a few years ago it still affects the girl deeply. She is cautious, especially cautious when she is in London.

"She feels very anxious around older people and in the presence of older men.

"This incident has shaped how she feels when she is out late and makes her much more careful about where she is going. That is the impact on her."