An asylum seeker who sexually assaulted two women at their homes while delivering their takeaways has been jailed.
Shafiullah Rasooli, an Afghan national, was charged with three counts of sexual assault and was convicted following a trial at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court.
The 29-year-old, who is based in Maidstone, Kent, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years imprisonment for ‘wickedly and unfathomably’ molesting his victims while reportedly illegally working for Deliveroo.
The court heard how Rasooli delivered food to a woman who had ordered it online in June last year.
As the woman opened the door to collect her order, Rasooli made inappropriate remarks before stepping into the property and sexually assaulting her.
He then left the premises but returned later to commit a further sexual offence before taking the woman’s phone to input his contact information.
Over the following days, police said Rasooli made a series of phone calls to the victim, which caused her significant distress.
On July 3, one week following the first offence, Rasooli made a delivery to a second woman.
Afghan asylum seeker Shafiullah Rasooli (pictured) was sentenced to two-and-a-half years imprisonment for ‘wickedly and unfathomably’ molesting his victims while delivering their takeaways
Rasooli charged with three counts of sexual assault and was convicted following a trial at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court (pictured)
He made indecent comments to her and asked about her relationship status before sexually assaulting her.
The women reported the incidents to police who launched an investigation.
Detectives identified Rasooli’s vehicle after reviewing CCTV in the area. This, alongside screenshots of the victims’ orders and the contact details he provided assisted officers in tracking him down.
On Wednesday, he was handed the two-and-a-half-year prison sentence as well as a a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Detective Constable Matthew Kerr of Kent Police said: ‘Rasooli took advantage of his job to prey on the two vulnerable victims who had simply ordered food.
‘His actions made them feel unsafe and violated in their own homes and he arrogantly thought he could get away with it.
‘However, a prompt investigation led to his arrest, and he is now serving a prison sentence.
‘I would like to commend both victims for courageously reporting these crimes and then assisting us throughout the subsequent trial. I hope they can find some closure knowing their actions have protected other potential victims from harm.’
A Deliveroo spokesperson said: ‘We are horrified by the actions of this individual and take a zero-tolerance approach to harassment and assault of any kind.
We fully supported Kent Police with its investigation at the time and terminated the rider account that was being used.’
