A bar manager from Gravesend has been jailed for sex assaulting a woman after getting her drunk at his place of work.
MD Wahiduzzaman Akanda was working on October 2, 2020 when he pressured the victim into drinking.
Kent Police has said that even after the repeatedly refused, he made her drink a mix of cocktails and shots, to the point that she was sick.
The 39-year-old then followed her into the female toilets where he sexually assaulted her, despite the victim telling him to stop.
Another person heard her crying and tried to check on her, but Akanda told them she was fine, and the person left.
When Akanda left the toilet, the victim locked herself in a cubicle and called the police.
She then left the premises.
Akanda was found and arrested the next day.
He was charged with two sexual assaults but pleaded not guilty at Maidstone Crown Court.
However, after a trial he was found guilty.
On Wednesday, February 28, 2024, Akanda, formally of Railway Street, Gillingham, was jailed.
Detective Sergeant Emma Crombie said: “Akanda targeted his victim and sexually assaulted her when she was at her most vulnerable.
“He encouraged and pressured her to drink alcohol, despite her saying no repeatedly.
“He knew she was intoxicated and unable to fend him off and isolated her in order to carry out his despicable attack.
“I want to commend the victim in not only reporting his offending but ensuring her account was heard.
“By denying the allegations, Akanda made the victim relive her ordeal and put her through the trauma of a trial.
“Her courage, however, has ensured that he has been held accountable for his actions and protected other potential victims from this predator.”
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