Iranian Asylum Seeker Sami Rasouli Sentenced to Two Years for Leeds Sexual Assault

An Iranian asylum seeker has been sentenced to two years in prison for sexually assaulting a young woman in Leeds after following her home from a bus stop in the city centre.

Sami Rasouli, 21, admitted two counts of sexual assault at Leeds Crown Court on Tuesday after initially denying the charges and changing his plea on the day his trial was due to start. The offences took place in August last year.

Details of the Leeds Sexual Assault

Rasouli spotted the victim waiting for a bus on Boar Lane. He boarded the same service and sat directly behind her despite other seats being available. The journey lasted approximately 45 minutes. Upon getting off in north Leeds, he followed her on foot until she was moments away from her home.

He called her beautiful and asked for her Snapchat username. The woman gave it to deter him but he persisted, using Google Translate to suggest a park or kiss. When she refused, he grabbed her and tried to kiss her. She swerved, so he kissed her cheek. He then pushed her into bushes and touched her over clothing. A neighbour heard screams and helped her escape. She told her family about the ordeal. The victim later described being terrified and her daily activities being affected.

The victim felt frightened even in her own home and was unable to sleep that night, fearing Rasouli might be waiting outside. She avoided buses and trains for months and remained scared he would return. She still felt on edge in March this year. Rasouli's DNA was found on the victim's cheek and jeans, contradicting his denial to police. He was arrested the next day.

Judge Geoffrey Marson KC noted some planning and the ongoing psychological harm.

Court Outcome and Orders Imposed

His Honour Judge Marson KC jailed Rasouli for two years. He faces deportation to Iran after serving half the sentence. If not, he will be released on licence. A 10-year restraining order and placement on the sex offenders register for 10 years were also imposed. No financial penalties were issued.

Defence barrister Eleanor Mitten said Rasouli fled danger in Iran with no family in the UK and expressed remorse. He needs help with consent attitudes. The judge questioned his claim of heading to a barber shop on a Sunday when it was closed. Rasouli was 20 at the time and is considered an adult for sentencing.

'In my judgement, it is clear you wanted some sexual contact with her, whether she consented or not,' the judge said. He added that women should be allowed to walk freely in public without risk of attack. The case was highlighted by the verified Offenders UK account on X with a sex offender alert for community protection.

Background of the Iranian Asylum Seeker Sami Rasouli

Rasouli was 20 at the time with no prior UK convictions. The sentencing reminds of the need to protect women in Leeds and West Yorkshire. Deportation is anticipated for the Iranian asylum seeker once his sentence is complete.

The victim has lasting impacts, and the court stressed public safety. The matter drew attention through community sex offenders database updates. As of March 2026, the case continues to highlight issues around public safety and asylum seekers in the region.