Iraqi hotel migrant who raped woman in Kensington hostel while claiming asylum faces years in prison
Yousif Al-Maliki, Iraqi Asylum Seeker, Convicted of Rape in Kensington Hostel
A 30-year-old Iraqi man, Yousif Al-Maliki, has been convicted of raping a woman he met in August of the previous year during his stay at the Astor Hostel in South Kensington, London. The incident, which occurred over a week-long trial at Southwark Crown Court, could lead to a significant prison sentence.
Background and Trial Details
Al-Maliki, an asylum seeker, claimed to have arrived in the UK illegally to escape persecution in Baghdad. During the trial, he denied the rape charge, but the jury found him guilty. The court heard that the pair had been drinking in Soho before returning to the hostel, where the woman repeatedly stated her disinterest in sexual activity.
“The defendant then started to touch her sexually to which the complainant said no, moving his hands away,” stated Prosecutor Jose Olivares-Chandler.
Despite her refusals, Al-Maliki persisted, making a bet that they would have sex that day. Later that night, he assaulted her repeatedly. The prosecutor emphasized that the woman’s objections were ignored as the defendant continued his actions, eventually attempting to place his hands beneath her shorts.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
The assault took place in a 12-bed dormitory at the hostel. Al-Maliki was remanded into custody, with sentencing scheduled for April 21. Judge Christopher Hehir remarked, “You have been convicted by a jury of a very serious offence. Be under no illusion, you will be going to prison for some time.”
“The defendant then started to engage the complainant in sexual activity in response to which the complainant made it clear that she didn’t want to have sex,” added the prosecutor.
During the proceedings, Al-Maliki followed the trial from the dock with an Arabic interpreter. However, the judge noted that the interpreter might not have been necessary, as the defendant understood English fluently. His asylum application has been paused pending the outcome of the criminal case.
Al-Maliki’s legal team described him as a bisexual Iraqi who admits to entering the UK illegally but asserts he sought refuge from torture. The probation service will assess his dangerousness before determining his sentence.
