Sex Offender Who Attacked Lone Women in Boston Gets Paltry Sentence

A Bulgarian sex offender who committed a string of daytime attacks on lone women in Boston received a relatively lenient sentence because British courts were unable to consider his previous convictions for child sexual abuse in Bulgaria.

Judge Simon Hirst acknowledged that he would have classified Ali Hasan Ali, 32, as a dangerous offender had he been able to factor in Ali's three Bulgarian convictions for sexually assaulting children. These convictions included the use of a knife and threats made against children to undress. Ali was released from prison in Bulgaria on December 15th, 2023, and within weeks began his attacks in Boston after relocating to the UK with his family.

Between January 10th and February 28th, Ali committed four sexual assaults and four exposures. His victims were women walking alone in various locations around Boston, including Skirbeck Road and near Boston College. The assaults involved grabbing breasts, touching a woman's vagina over clothing, and exposure.

Judge Hirst explained that the UK's departure from the European Union prevented him from considering Ali's Bulgarian convictions when determining his level of danger. This legal restriction meant he was unable to impose an extended sentence or a life sentence, which are typically reserved for dangerous offenders.

As a result, Ali received a 28-month determinate prison sentence. He will serve half of this time in custody and is expected to be deported upon release. Ali was also required to register as a sex offender for ten years and comply with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the same duration.