Sex offender followed a man into a public toilet where he tried to assault him.

Sex Offender Jailed for Assaulting Man in Canterbury

A sex offender from Folkestone has been jailed for 14 months after assaulting a man in Canterbury City centre.

On Sunday 19 June 2022, Sasha Mazouz, 45, of Charlotte Street, Folkestone followed the victim into a public toilet on Canterbury Lane. As the victim exited the cubicle, Mazouz pushed him back inside and attempted to assault him.

The victim escaped before the situation escalated any further and notified the police. Officers located and arrested Mazouz at the scene.

During the arrest, Mazouz made repeated attempts to engage in inappropriate language with an attending male officer. He was charged with committing an offence with intent to committing a sexual offence and assault. He pleaded guilty to both counts.

On 12 January 2023, Mazouz appeared at Canterbury Crown Court, where the judge sentenced him to a total of 14 months imprisonment. Some of his sentence has already been served as this accounts for time Mazouz has already spent on remand. He will also be subject to notification requirements for a period of ten years.

Detective Constable Ella Russell of the Canterbury Vulnerability Investigation Team, who led the investigation, said: "I would like to thank the victim for his bravery in reporting these offences and supporting the prosecution. As a result of this, we were able to make a swift arrest and ensured that Mazouz faced the consequences of his actions."

"Kent Police takes all allegations of assault seriously and I hope that yesterday's sentencing brings comfort to the victim involved."