A young woman sought assistance at a convenience store after being stranded following a night out, only to face exploitation by an employee. Yaaqob Saleh, aged 20, left the woman distressed and in tears after assaulting her in the early hours at the shop where he was employed. According to the Liverpool Magistrates’ court, the woman, who had been out in Liverpool city center in March 2025, found herself without a working phone while trying to hail a cab home. Seeking help, she entered the Liverpool One Newsagents and Convenience Store on Whitechapel, where Saleh, from Toxteth, was working behind the counter. The prosecutor, Michelle Dodd, revealed that Saleh allowed the woman to charge her phone for a taxi booking.
Subsequently, Saleh made inappropriate advances towards the woman by touching her thigh and requesting a kiss, despite her refusals. The situation escalated when he kissed her on the cheek and later touched her inappropriately after serving another customer.
Following the distressing encounter, the woman, once her phone had enough charge, contacted a friend and left the shop. In a statement presented in court, she expressed the emotional turmoil she experienced, including anxiety, depression, and anger, along with a loss of independence and self-worth.
Saleh was found guilty of sexual assault following a trial. However, sentencing was postponed as his solicitor cited a lack of expertise to represent him adequately during the legal proceedings. Despite the pending appeal, the judge emphasized the need to proceed with the sentencing based on the evidence presented.
The victim’s psychological distress and the absence of corroborating evidence were discussed during the court proceedings. The judge raised concerns about the adequacy of legal representation for a serious criminal case like this, emphasizing the importance of a fair trial for the defendant.
The sentencing hearing was adjourned to January 29 to allow Saleh to secure alternative legal representation, with bail granted on the condition of no contact with the victim.