He claimed he had “no recollection” of the grubby gropes

A pervy sex pest committed a lewd sex act in a hospital waiting room and sexually assaulted two housekeepers after being admitted for treatment following a spice binge.

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Yousef Lahkmaiss, aged 42, claimed he had “no recollection” of the grubby gropes however a judge said the sex offender got “sexual gratification” from exercising “the power to shock”.

Judge Rachael Harrison said Lahkmaiss posed a “significant risk of physical or psychological harm to females” and his behaviour indicated an “extremely high level” of disinhibition.

Curtis Dunkley, prosecuting, described how on January 26 Lahkmaiss was taken to Northern General Hospital by officers “concerned” he had taken spice.

However while walking past two housekeepers Lahkmaiss pressed his groin into “each of them in turn”, said the prosecutor.

“He then sat in a chair next to a female patient and stroked her arm before placing his hands down his trousers and (committing a lewd act),” said Mr Dunkley.

As Lahkmaiss was escorted out by a ward sister he then tried to grope her, the court heard.

After “lingering” at the nurses’ station Lahkmaiss was finally arrested when police were called.

The defendant, a Moroccan national, had convictions for criminal damage and begging along with a caution for sexual assault and battery.

Vanessa Saxton, defending, said her client had “no recollection” of the offences and offered his apologies to the complainants.

Ms Saxton said Lahkmaiss hoped to be repatriated to Morocco upon his release.

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Judge Harrison said: “Your behaviour was a sustained incident - it was in a hospital where there were clearly vulnerable people present being treated as patients and you sexually assaulted people who worked in the hospital.

“The author of your pre-sentence report presumes you get sexual gratification from exercising the power to shock and sexually humiliate female members of staff and the public. They doubt you are being truthful by saying you have no memory - they believe your behaviour was sexually-motivated.”

Lahkmaiss, whose current address was Saltwell Road, Gateshead, admitted sexual assault, attempted sexual assault and outraging public decency.

He was jailed for 12 months.

Kirsten Major, Chief Executive of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our staff and patients have a right to expect to be treated with respect and not be subjected to deliberate intimidation or violence.

"We have a zero-tolerance policy which reflects our attitude to this and so we are pleased that this matter has been treated with the seriousness it deserved and also recognised the impact this individual’s appalling behaviour had on all those involved.”