Sri Lankan migrant in UK denies sexual assault charges

 

 A Sri Lankan migrant residing in a government-funded asylum hotel in the United Kingdom has denied multiple charges, including the abduction and sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl in West London.

The accused, identified as 20-year-old Yashin Himasara, appeared via video link at Isleworth Crown Court from HMP Wormwood Scrubs. With the assistance of a Sinhala interpreter, he confirmed his identity and entered pleas to the charges.

Himasara pleaded not guilty to seven counts, including kidnapping, rape, assault by penetration, assault by beating, sexual activity with a child, and two charges of intentional strangulation.

Prosecutors allege that the incident took place on November 1 in Feltham, West London. At the time, Himasara was reportedly staying at the St Giles Hotel, a three-star hotel used by the government to accommodate asylum seekers.

Defence solicitor Bozzie Sheffi told the court that the accused has limited English proficiency and will require the assistance of an interpreter throughout the trial.