A 23-year-old Syrian asylum seeker has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two women in Falkirk last year. Muhammad Sheikhi committed the attacks in the early hours of November 30 near the Hotel Cladhan, where he had been staying. The hotel had previously been the focus of anti-immigration protests.

The first assault occurred at a railway bridge on Kerse Lane, where Sheikhi hugged a woman in her early 20s, kissed her repeatedly on the face and mouth, and placed his hands under her skirt. Later, on Kerse Lane and at Bellsmeadow skate park, he assaulted a second woman by pinning her against a tree and putting his hands under her clothing.

Both victims were walking home alone after nights out in Falkirk when the incidents took place. Sheikhi, who arrived in the UK by boat, denied the charges during the trial, stating he had been wandering because he had no one to socialize with.

Following a four-day trial at Stirling Sheriff Court, a jury found him guilty of both sexual assault charges. An additional allegation that he intended to rape one of the women was withdrawn by the jury.

Sheriff Keith O’Mahony, addressing Sheikhi, emphasized the gravity of the convictions and said a report would be required before sentencing. Sheikhi did not react to the verdict. His sentencing is scheduled for June 29.

Prosecutor Jamie Hilland described Sheikhi’s behavior as predatory, pointing to strong similarities between the two offenses. Hilland characterized the attacks as part of a continuous pattern of criminal conduct closely linked by time and circumstances. He also noted the significant distress caused to the victims, referencing a phone call one woman made to her father immediately after the assault during which she was barely able to speak or breathe.