Overview
- The court heard Yaaqob Saleh groped a woman who entered Liverpool One Newsagents to charge her phone, and she later described anxiety, nightmares and a loss of independence.
- Saleh, 20, was found guilty of sexual assault after a trial at Liverpool Magistrates' Court.
- Sentencing was adjourned to January 29 to allow a change of legal representation, and he was released on bail.
- The defence said an appeal is pending and sought a stay, which the judge refused after stating the court can proceed to sentence despite an appeal.
- Prosecutors requested a restraining order to prevent contact, and the defence argued CCTV and the woman’s intoxication undermine her account while citing his lack of prior convictions and a report suggesting non-custodial options.