A "predatory" hairdresser who sexually assaulted two teenagers working in his salon has been sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 18 months.

Alan Luckhurst, an award-winning hairstylist, assaulted two 17-year-old girls at two separate salons in Twickenham in 2017 and Sutton in 2021.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Luckhurst, a father-of-two, had been charged and bailed for the initial groping, before the second incident occurred. The Met has said that Luckhurst may have other victims and is appealing for them to come forward.

Luckhurst, who is married, told Kingston Crown Court that he was "just a tactile person".

The first victim, a 17-year-old girl, reported the sexual assault to authorities while she was on a placement at the Twickenham hairdressers. Luckhurst was removed from the establishment following his arrest.

Having been charged in October 2019, Luckhurst then founded a new business in Sutton, Greater London. Two years later, another 17-year-old girl went to police and said he had sexually assaulted her when she was an apprentice in the salon. The teenager said she was touched by Luckhurst within weeks of starting at the business.

Luckhurst repeatedly felt the first victim's breasts and put his hand between her legs. He also put his groin against her bottom.

The second victim also had her breasts groped by Luckhurst, who made her touch him between his legs. With the exception of one incident where he forced his hand under the second victim's bra, all of his offences involved groping over the girls' clothing.

Following a trial in January, Luckhurst was found guilty of eight counts of sexual assault and two counts of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.

In addition to the suspended sentence, the hairdresser from Worcester Park, south-west London, received a sexual harm prevention order preventing him from employing anyone under 18 or acting as their boss.

The sex offender won 'Retailer of the Year' in 2013 while manager of a salon in Richmond, south-west London.

Detective Constable Natalie Alchin, who led the investigation into the stylist, said: "Luckhurst completely abused his position as manager of these young women and took advantage of being alone with them during their time at work. It is clear that the offences he committed have had a serious and significant impact on both their personal and professional lives. They have shown tremendous bravery, both in coming forward to police and then giving evidence at court."

DC Alchin noted that officers believe that there could be other young victims of Luckhurst's "predatory behaviour". She said: "We believe there may be other young women who may have worked with Luckhurst and been victim to his predatory behaviour. We would urge anyone who believes that to be the case to come forward and speak to us. We have specialist support in place and will listen to everything you have to say."