A BOSS, who locked a young employee in his restaurant before forcing himself on her has been ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for five years.
Nadeem Aslam, who runs the Memsahib Indian restaurant in Queensgate, Huddersfield, was yesterday handed a three-year community order for sexually assaulting a former colleague.
Sentencing the 37-year-old father-of-four at Huddersfield Magistrates yesterday, District Judge Marie Mallon said the attack was ‘not a one-off but prolonged’.
The court heard Aslam had locked the complainant inside the restaurant after he had taken the remaining employees home, on October 24, 2012.
Prosecuting Ben Smith said Aslam had dimmed the lights and poured the victim, who had already been given strong vodka to drink by three diners earlier in the evening, several strong drinks.
After discussing business Aslam put his arm around the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and kissed her on the lips.
Mr Smith said the complainant initially froze and then tried to leave the restaurant only to find the doors locked.
The defendant grabbed her twice more and tried to kiss her before eventually letting her go, the court heard.
Friends, who saw the victim at the Camel Club later said the ‘normally outgoing’ woman seemed ‘subdued’ and ‘shaken up’.
Defending Neil Murphy said Aslam’s family had suffered particularly as a result of his conviction.
Mr Murphy said: “This is not a gentleman who has a history of domestic violence or sexual violence.
“He is someone who has been very stupid.”
Aslam, of Olive Street, Fartown, denied the charge but was found guilty by magistrates last month.
Sentencing Judge Mallon said: “This is an extremely serious offence.
“This was not a one-off incident of touching; it was prolonged over a period of time.
“By virtue of her being your employee she was vulnerable.
“She was locked in and there was no-one there but you and her, and she was given alcoholic drinks.”
