A
paedophile, who targetted an eight year-old girl in the gift shop of
world-famous Madame Tussaud's waxworks, has been convicted.
Algerian
Oldkount Ballabbas, 42, groped the youngster's chest, kissed her and
held her back by her shoulders when she tried to flee.
He
was convicted by a Southwark Crown Court jury of abducting and
sexually assaulting the girl at the busy central London attraction on
August 5, last year.
He
will be sentenced on March 6.
The
girl was alone in the gift shop, having briefly left her mother and
other family members in the adjacent café.
Ballabbas
engaged the victim in conversation and moved her into a quiet area of
the gift shop.
He
then began touching the girl's chest area over her clothing and
kissed her on the cheek.
The
girl asked three times to return to her mother, but Ballabbas was
holding her by the shoulders.
It
was only when he was disturbed and lost physical contact with the
victim that she was able to escape, crying, to her family.
Security
staff were then alerted and called police but Ballabbas had already
fled the scene.
A
CCTV still provided by Madame Tussauds was then circulated.
Two
days later a local Safer Neighbourhoods Team police officer
recognised the suspect near the waxworks and Ballabbas was arrested.
Detective
Constable Liz Clements said: "Ballabbas is a dangerous man and
CCTV has revealed that he followed females of all ages prior to the
attack on the little girl.
"It
was fortunate that he was disturbed by another shopper.
“This
then gave the girl an opportunity to run back to her family who then
spoke to security staff.
"I
would like to pay credit to the family who have remained dignified
throughout this difficult period."
The
detective team also thanked Madame Tussauds for their co-operation
throughout the investigation.
Detectives
believe Ballabbas also attempted to touch other females prior to the
attack on the young girl.
Anyone
with information are asked to call detectives on 0208 733 5999.
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