A woman has been forced to resign from her job in Birmingham city centre after being sexually assaulted by a stranger near a famous fountain. Roland Paskevics, 37, of no fixed address, targeted the office worker as she sat by the 'Floozie in the Jacuzzi' statue at Victoria Square.
Paskevics groped the victim before exposing himself to her. As she fled to seek help, he went on to target two other women in the city centre. He pleaded guilty to assault by penetration, sexual assault, and two counts of indecent exposure at Birmingham Crown Court. Judge Simon Drew sentenced him to two years and three months in prison.
Prosecutor Peter Arnold described the incident: 'The defendant came and sat right next to her. She felt uncomfortable and got up to leave. The defendant put his hand between her legs.' The first victim now suffers from depression and panic attacks, requiring weekly therapy. She told the court she 'left her job in central Birmingham because of the incident'.
Representing himself, Paskevics blamed his actions on cannabis and loneliness. 'I was under the influence of cannabis, that's all I can say,' he told the judge. Judge Simon Drew described the offending as 'extremely concerning', noting that Paskevics had assaulted women in quick succession and exposed himself to multiple victims.
The case highlights the ongoing issue of public safety in Birmingham city centre, particularly in popular areas like Victoria Square. Authorities urge anyone who witnesses or experiences harassment to report it immediately.
