Bulgarians Sentenced for Assaulting Young Girls in Scotland

Two Bulgarian immigrants in Scotland have been sentenced for their involvement in an assault on young girls last year. A judge noted that one of them had made inappropriate sexual comments towards the children.

The incident escalated when Ilia Belov, one of the assailants, phoned his sister, who then acted violently toward one of the girls as soon as she arrived at the scene.

In an event that gained attention known as the Scottish axe girl incident, a video taken by Belov featured a distressed young Scottish girl brandishing a small axe and a knife to protect herself from what she described as her attackers.

Despite Belov’s denial of threatening or making inappropriate comments to the girls, the judge dismissed his testimony as “wholly unconvincing and self-serving.”

According to Blaze News, the judge emphasized that sexual remarks were made to the children, confirming that both Belov and his sister were guilty of assault.

One of the girls confidently referred to Belov as a “f**king creep and an immigrant,” recounting that he persistently said, “Come here, sexy. I will show you how to have a good time.”

Earlier this month, Belov, who is 23, received an 18-month supervision sentence, was mandated to complete 300 hours of community service, and was placed on the sex offender registry for the same duration, as reported by the Daily Mail.

His sister, Nadjedzha Belova, aged 20, pleaded guilty to assaulting a 13-year-old girl during the incident and was ordered to perform 180 hours of unpaid work as her penalty.

Both siblings are currently appealing their sentences, according to the Daily Record.

Belov’s lawyer, Larry Flynn, mentioned to BBC Scotland that they are appealing only the sex offender registration, leaving the other aspects of the sentencing intact.

While maintaining his innocence regarding the sexual remarks, Belov was convicted by Judge Timothy Niven-Smith, who stated there was “proof beyond reasonable doubt.” The judge acknowledged that the girls’ reactions were telling and eloquent, given the context.

The judge noted, “Having made the sexual remarks to the children, you became angry when they reacted and shouted back at you, which led you to follow them.”

Images from the time have emerged showing the convicted siblings. One image features Belov with his hand on his hip, filming the frightened girls with his phone.

Another image captures the brother and sister, in what has been described as “accosting” behavior towards the children, as seen in CCTV footage from across the street.

Initially, Belov had claimed his actions were in self-defense.