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Sri Lankan man on trial for exposure after assault at asylum hotel

Crime & justiceCrime
Key Points
  • A Sri Lankan man is on trial for exposure after assaulting staff at an asylum hotel in August 2025.
  • The case highlights tensions and incidents in asylum accommodation, raising concerns about safety and behavior.
  • The trial outcome and sentencing details are pending as the court proceedings continue.

Sukirthan Thangrasha, 38, is facing one count of exposure at Portsmouth Crown Court related to an incident at Highfield House Hotel in Southampton on August 15, 2025, according to prosecutor Jack Furness. Furness stated that Thangrasha had previously pleaded guilty to two charges of assault against two members of staff. At that time, the defendant was staying in accommodation for asylum seekers.

Furness said that Thangrasha came down to the reception area angry that his phone was not working, was verbally abusive, demanded staff fix it, and threw the phone at the reception desk. He said words to the effect of, 'I am from Sri Lanka, you small men are from India and Pakistan, you should respect me'. Staff tried to calm him down, but he approached a plant pot, made some attempt to pull the plant out, then pulled his trousers down.

First, he left his underwear on and lifted his top to expose his torso, walking around like this until staff told him to stop, and he pulled up his trousers. Shortly later, he pulled his trousers down again along with his underpants, exposing his genitals to multiple people. One staff member reported feeling 'scared' that Thangrasha would attack him.

Thangrasha had admitted assaults on him and another employee. CCTV showed the incident, and the defendant did not deny exposing himself but denied intending to cause alarm or distress. The specific injuries or details of the assaults on the staff members have not been disclosed.

The current status of the trial and potential sentencing remains unclear.

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Sri Lankan man on trial for exposure after assault at asylum hotel | Reed News