A SALESMAN has been sentenced to three years imprisonment after being found guilty of a sexual assault.

Mohammed Shafique Khan denied sexually assaulting a 17-year-old woman in Bexley, in March last year.

But yesterday he was sentenced at Blackfriars Crown Court, having been found guilty in January.

The court heard Khan was promoting digital television outside the Broadway Shopping Centre, in The Mall, Bexleyheath, on March 14 2006 at the time of the asssault.

At around noon, the victim was standing by the clock tower in the Broadway when she was approached by Khan, who asked her for a light for his cigarette.

She said Khan was wearing a distinctive T-shirt under his jacket promoting digital television sales at the time.

The 35-year-old then asked the victim if she could come round the side of the van, then invited her inside.

She got into the van and Khan shut the door.

The victim then became scared and tried to open the door, but Khan grabbed her around the waist and sexually assaulted her.

The victim tried to open the door once more and managed to escape Khan.

She reported the matter to the police and Khan was arrested later that day, still at his van.

Khan, of Hendy Street, Cardiff, was taken to Bexleyheath police station and interviewed, where he denied ever meeting the vehicle or that she had ever been inside the van.

During the investigation, police obtained forensic evidence, fingerprints and a palm print that proved she had been in the vehicle.

Khan was charged with sexual assault on May 25 last year and released on conditional bail.

On January 22, he appeared at Blackfriars Crown Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

He was found guilty three days later.

The trial follows an investigation by Bexley police's Sapphire Unit.

Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Jon Summers said: "Khan abused his position to commit this offence by sexually assaulting a lone female.

I am proud of the efforts made by the case officer Detective Constable Peter Thompson to secure the documentary and forensic evidence that led to Khan's conviction.

"I would also like to thank Khan's employers who worked with us during the investigation and provided any assistance that was required.

"The victim herself showed great courage whilst being cross examined in court for an entire day; I can only hope this result can help her put this awful matter behind her and help her move on to rebuild her life."