A Sri Lankan migrant housed in a government-funded asylum hotel denied charges of abducting, raping, and assaulting a 15-year-old girl in West London.
Yashin Himasara, 20, appeared via video link at Isleworth Crown Court from HMP Wormwood Scrubs. Speaking with the assistance of a Sinhala interpreter, Himasara confirmed his name and date of birth before entering pleas.
Himasara pleaded not guilty to seven charges, including kidnapping, rape, assault by penetration, assault by beating, sexual activity with a child, and two counts of intentional strangulation.
Prosecutors allege the incident occurred on Nov. 1 in Feltham, West London, where Himasara had been residing at the St Giles Hotel, a three-star facility used by the government to house asylum seekers.
Bozzie Sheffi, the defense solicitor, informed the court that Himasara would require an interpreter throughout the trial due to his limited English proficiency.
Judge Kwame Inyundo ordered Himasara to be remanded in custody. The trial is scheduled to begin on April 27. (Newswire)