An asylum seeker who groped a teenage girl on a London Underground train has been jailed after other passengers stopped him from escaping.
Muslih Alotaibi, 39, was surrounded by furious male commuters on the Central line train between Oxford Circus and Mile End station.
Alotaibi had walked along the carriage and chose to sit down next to the 17-year-old lone female, despite many other seats being available.
He then placed a jacket over his lap and proceeded to sexually assault her by putting a hand under her leg on September 2 last year.
A woman passenger, sat opposite, mouthed to ask if she was okay and, with tears in her eyes, the victim responded “no”, British Transport Police said.
The girl moved away from Alotaibi and told the Good Samaritan what had happened.
The pervert then stood up to move away.
But was confronted by other men on board who pushed the emergency button to prevent him from leaving the train and fleeing.
When the service arrived at Mile End, Alotaibi was arrested by waiting officers.
At Inner London Crown Court, he was handed a 19 week prison sentence for sexual assault.
Alotaibi has been ordered to pay £154 victim surcharge and to register with police for seven years.
He came to the UK in 2023 from Saudi Arabia, where his children and ex-wife still live, and now faces deportation.
Detective Constable Julie Skinner said: “Alotaibi acted in an abhorrent and predatory manner towards this young woman, but the selfless actions of those on the train who noticed something was wrong and offered to help her kept her safe from further assault and ensured we were able to arrest Alotaibi and bring him to justice.
“When a member of the public bravely intervenes to confront or call out callous behaviour and sexual assaults, it reminds the victim that they are not alone and helps to prevent further unacceptable behaviour.
“I thank everyone who supported this investigation and supported the victim, and I hope that this result can bring her some comfort.
“If you experience or witness a sexual offence on the railway network or in a station, I urge you to report it to us by texting 61016 - officers can deploy immediately and begin urgent enquiries to bring offenders to justice.”
