Asylum seeker admits attempting to rape woman in Leeds

Speaking via an interpreter, Afghan national Abdul Nishat, 22, pleaded guilty to attempting to rape the woman in the early hours of November 30 in the Woodhouse Lane area of Leeds.

Nishat, of Nowell Mount, Harehills, Leeds, denied kidnapping the woman on the same date.

Soheil Khan, prosecuting, told the court that Nishat's pleas were accepted by the prosecution and that a date for sentence could be set.

Nishat appeared in court via video link from HMP Leeds at today's (April 17) hearing, which saw the prosecuting barrister Mr Khan and judge Simon Phillips QC appear via Skype due to coronavirus measures.

Richard Reed, defending, told the court: "He is a man of good character and may well benefit from a pre-sentence report."

Judge Phillips asked Mr Reed: "How long has he been in this country?"

Mr Reed said: "He has been here for five years now. He is seeking asylum."

Remanding Nishat in custody until his sentencing on May 19, Judge Phillips told him: "In adjourning sentencing I make it plain that you will expect to receive a

substantial sentence of imprisonment.

"The precise nature of that sentence will be a matter for the court on the next occasion. The court will take into account the fact that you have pleaded guilty today."