Man acquitted of Tring attack

23 May 2012, 15:58 | Updated: 23 May 2012, 16:04

A 43 year-old has today been cleared of sexually assaulting a woman with learning difficulties, but told by a judge his behaviour towards her was little better than an animal.

Ali Akkouche, who was aided in court by an Arabic interpreter, was found not guilty of a charge of sexual penetration on the woman in Tring Memorial Gardens.

But Judge Martin Griffith told him: "I am not surprised the jury has acquitted you, but I hope the experience of having a trial hanging over you has taught you a lesson. You behaved little better than an animal towards her.  I hope you are thoroughly ashamed of your behaviour toward that girl.  Now you may go."

St Albans Crown Court heard how Akkouche of Manson Court, Aylesbury, had met the girl on 22 July 2010 (correct).

They knew each other and went into the park where he put his hand down the 20 year olds shorts.

Akkouche was to tell the police that she had consented to what happened, St Albans crown court was told.