"I do not accept that you are remorseful."
Kuku Machhal, aged 31, of Southall, was jailed for 18 months after he sexually assaulted two women in the water at Bournemouth beach.
Portsmouth Crown Court heard that Machhal committed both offences on strangers in two separate incidents on July 23, 2021.
His actions came just a few days after a 15-year-old girl was raped in the sea close to Bournemouth Pier in an unconnected attack.
In that incident, the teenage suspect dragged the girl away from her friends and into deeper water before raping her.
The suspect remains at large.
Machhal’s offending took place in front of his friends, who cheered and laughed about what had happened.
Judge David Melville QC said both victims were vulnerable as they were in the water, adding that Machhal’s behaviour was “intimidating” and “degrading”.
Judith Constable, prosecuting, said both victims reported what had happened to them to authorities at the beach.
Security staff found Machhal and prevented him from leaving the area until police arrived and arrested him.
In a police interview, Machhal accepted touching the first woman but claimed there had been a “strong current which brushed him into her”.
Machhal also denied doing anything wrong in relation to the second woman.
Ms Constable said:
“He accepted that much but denied any wrongdoing.”
Machhal initially denied the allegations but later pleaded to two counts of sexual assault.
Lesley Manley, for Machhal, said he was sorry for his actions and had shown remorse. But the judge did not accept that Machhal was remorseful.
Ms Manley said: “On that day, Mr Machhal did not go there with any premeditated intention to do harm but obviously his behaviour was not what one would expect.
“Nothing like this has happened before and it is extremely unlikely, I submit, that this behaviour would ever be repeated.”
Machhal came to the UK from India in 2015 and he has already been in the country illegally. He has lived in Southall for the past six years, being supported with accommodation and manual labour work by somebody who came from the same Punjab village as him.
His wife and two children are currently being supported by his sister in India.
Ms Manley continued: “Currently he is facing deportation.
“A notice has been served upon him and he is hoping to seek legal advice in relation to his immigration position.”
Machhal still has debts to the people who helped him obtain documentation to enter the UK. He feared for his safety should he return to India.
Calling Machhal’s actions “disgraceful”, Judge Melville said:
“There was a degree of planning and you did of course have your friends with you as well.
“I do not accept that you are remorseful. When interviewed you accepted no personal responsibility at all.”
Machhal was jailed for 18 months. He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for five years.
He is expected to be deported following his release from prison.
Loading ...