An Iraqi asylum seeker has been convicted of sexually assaulting a 20-year-old university student on a train – after flashing a smug thumbs-up to CCTV cameras before boarding. Hawre Mohamed, 27, who arrived in Britain by small boat in 2024 and is living in a lavish taxpayer-funded hotel costing £100 a night, trapped the terrified woman in a window seat and groped her during a chilling 15-minute ordeal.
Smug Attack on Train Captured on Camera
District Judge Nicola Fleck found Mohamed guilty of sexual assault at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on November 17, 2025, dismissing his claim the victim “wanted sex” and that he withdrew when “consent was withdrawn.” Mohamed faces up to 10 years behind bars, with sentencing set for December 8.
British Transport Police released footage showing Mohamed chatting and flashing a thumbs-up to the victim at Crawley station, West Sussex, before barging through ticket barriers.
- He boarded the 9:40pm Southern train to London Victoria on September 22, 2025.
- Despite plenty of empty seats, Mohamed deliberately sat next to the young woman.
- He then bombarded her with personal questions, before demanding sex.
Prosecutor Barto de Lotbiniere revealed: “He pushed his body towards her, tried to kiss her, squeezed her bottom, and grabbed her thigh.” The student felt trapped until the train stopped at Redhill station, Surrey, where she fled and reported the attack.
No Remorse from Asylum Seeker Living on Taxpayer Cash
Mohamed was arrested on October 2, 2025, at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel near Gatwick Airport—£100-a-night taxpayer-funded digs while his asylum claim drags on. During police interviews, he showed zero remorse, arrogantly saying: “I don’t believe I have done anything wrong. I spoke to many females that day.”
His lawyer blamed cultural misunderstandings and language barriers, with Mohamed claiming, “I like to move my hands.” Judge Fleck ignored these excuses, ruling the assault was clear-cut.
Growing Outrage Over Asylum System and Public Safety
Mohamed’s conviction lands amid soaring Channel crossings by Iraqi nationals, who make up 13% of 49,341 irregular arrivals in the year to June 2025. British Transport Police report a 20% rise in train sexual assaults in 2024, sparking fears over safety on public transport.
The victim, who remains anonymous, is getting ongoing support from police victim care units. CCTV footage of Mohamed’s sinister thumbs-up has gone viral, stirring public anger over asylum screening and taxpayer-funded accommodation.
Social media blew up, with calls for swift deportation and harsher asylum reforms. The viral clip racked up over 50,000 views and thousands of furious comments.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced reforms on November 17 to speed up removal of foreign criminals. But human rights rules could delay Mohamed’s deportation despite the conviction.
Next Steps: December Sentencing and Asylum Battle
Mohamed remains behind bars at HMP Belmarsh, waiting for sentencing, where he faces up to 10 years for sexual assault. His lack of remorse, premeditated acts caught on CCTV, and the victim’s terror will weigh heavily in the judge’s decision.
His asylum claim is likely doomed, but legal wrangling over deportation could drag on for years. Meanwhile, police urge passengers to report all assaults to help keep British trains safe.
Mohamed’s casual thumbs-up before his attack stands as a chilling symbol of entitlement and impunity—raising urgent questions about Britain’s asylum system and protecting innocent victims.
