31-year-old man sexually molests a 10-year-old girl

A pervert who sexually assaulted a 10-year-old girl at Boots in Victoria Station when she was out with pals is facing jail time.

On June 11 at around 2:50 p.m. at Victoria Place Shopping Center, surveillance footage showed Ben Hooper, 31, of West Kingsdown, Kent, fondling the victim.

Hooper was taken into custody three days after the British Transport Police put out an appeal for information.

Hooper did not react to any questions after his detention, which was reported to the Westminster Magistrates Court.

The prosecution, Frances McCormack, informed the court that the girl and her friends had eaten at McDonald's before going to Boots to look at skin care products.

She stated, “The victim first saw the suspect in the store.”

The defendant allegedly grabbed the victim's [right] buttock.

She informed a Boots staff about the occurrence.

Additionally, Ms. McCormack said, "This was a 10-year-old." She was a young lady with several friends in a public place. ’

Hooper admitted to committing sexual assault by touching and was free on bond prior to being sentenced on October 18.

He was released on bond with the restrictions of not speaking to children and only using the underground for legitimate or medical needs.

On Saturday, June 11 at around 2:30 pm, Ben Hooper, 31, of West Kingsdown, Kent, was seen on surveillance footage stroking the victim's right buttock at Victoria Place Shopping Center.

Hooper did not answer any questions after being arrested, according to a surveillance video.

District Judge Annabel Pilling stated to Hooper, ‘This would have been incredibly terrible for a child victim.’

It would have had an effect not only on her, but also on the other youngsters present.

Children of this age should be permitted to go shopping with a companion without fear of sexual assault.

It’s not only the child that is affected. There are repercussions. Her parents may feel they didn’t keep her secure.’

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