Teen says “excuse me miss, sex” before late-night Chesterfield assault

Kebreab Robel, 18, “appeared from nowhere” on a pushbike as his victim walked along Chatsworth Road at about 1am in June 2019.

She told police how Eritrean asylum-seeker Robel followed her as she walked, trying to engage her in conversation.

The scared vitim was unable to understand what he was saying - however she noticed he had his hand on his crotch as he said “excuse me miss, sex”.

She was left “shocked” when the drunk teen - 17 at the time - touched her bottom and rode ahead of her as she quickened her pace - also touching her breasts.

Prosecutor Becky Allsop described how the frightened woman had already shouted “get the f*** off me” and “who do you think you are?” however Robel “just laughed at her”.

However he eventually fled on his bicycle as she screamed at him more.

Robel, who is still awaiting the outcome of an asylum application, was identified by a work colleague following a police CCTV appeal.

His solicitor Kirsten Collins told how Robel “appreciates how frightening it must have been for the complainant”.

Robel said the incident happened because he had drunk alcohol and “it would not happen now”.

Ms Collins told how Eritrea had one of the poorest records for human rights “in the world” and that her client was now “doing well”.

She said: “He is hopeful of going back to college to continue English studies and will be doing work around cultural differences, alcohol and appropriate behaviour.”

A magistrate told Robel: “This must have been terrifying for the lady concerned - she was approached late at night when she was on her own.

“And we’ve heard the circumstances of touching her in an absolutely, totally inappropriate way.”

Robel, of Highfield Road, Chesterfield, admitted sexual assault on a female.

He was given a nine-month community order, a 12-week curfew with electronic tag between 7pm and 7am and ordered to pay £100 victim compensation.

A message from Phil Bramley, Derbyshire Times Editor:

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper.