A RESTAURANT worker, who was today (Wednesday) cleared of sexually assaulting a woman with learning difficulties, was told by a judge that his behaviour towards her was little better than an animal.
Ali Akkouche, 43, who was aided in court by an Arabic interpreter, was found not guilty of a charge of sexual penetration on the woman in Tring’s Memorial Gardens.
But Judge Martin Griffith told him: “I am not surprised the jury has acquitted you, but I hope the experience of having a trial hanging over you has taught you a lesson.”
He went on: “You behaved little better than an animal towards her. I hope you are thoroughly ashamed of your behaviour toward that girl. Now you may go.”
St Albans Crown Court heard how Akkouche of Manson Court, Aylesbury, had met the girl on July 22, 2010.
They knew each other and went into the park where he put his hand down the 20-year-old’s shorts.
Akkouche was to tell the police that she had consented to what happened, the court was told.