Guilty: Man forced woman to kiss and hug him at Telford Railway Station

Seied Hossein Beheshti, of Ledsam Grove, Quinton, in Birmingham, first made contact with his victim at Telford Bus Station, before sexually assaulting her at Telford Central Railway Station on the night of July 11.

The 56-year-old did not show up for the trial, which took place in his absence at Telford Magistrates Court yesterday.

At an initial hearing on October 23, Beheshti pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Chris Coughlan, prosecuting, said: "On July 11 the injured party was at Telford Bus Station waiting to get a bus to the train station.

"The defendant was also there and he approached her about getting a bus to Birmingham.

"Later, while she was at the train station she was then approached again by the defendant.

"She says he was complimenting her, saying 'You're really nice, you're really pretty'.

"He then took her hand and wouldn't let it go, kissing her hand about 10 times in a constant pecking manner."

The victim said she tried to get away, but Beheshti was too strong.

"He was then able to hug her for a considerable amount of time," Mr Coughlan said.

"The defendant was able to kiss her on the cheek and she felt compelled to kiss him back, which she did.

Scared

"A man who was worse for wear at the time walked across the tracks towards them and she saw this as an opportunity to get away from the defendant and help the man on the tracks.

"She then left and was able to ring her boyfriend who met her at the train station."

The court heard that Beheshti offered the woman rings and jewellery before forcibly putting a £10 note in her pocket.

Giving evidence, the woman said she felt 'vulnerable and scared', and that she thought 'anything could have happened'.

The court also heard Beheshti's police interview, where he said he was in Telford watching a football match and asked for help to get home to Birmingham using public transport, before being approached by the victim who asked for money.

Magistrates chairwoman, Christine Holmes, said: "The magistrates find Mr Beheshti guilty of the offence.

"This is in part due to the believability and demeanour of the injured party.

"At the first opportunity she left and why would she do that if it was all consensual."

The court heard Beheshti has one relating previous conviction for sexual assault.

A warrant has now been issued for Beheshti's arrest, when he will then be sentenced.