A Kingston hairdresser who sexually assaulted two students has avoided jail time.

Alan Luckhurst, 36, was found guilty in January, 2023, of eight counts of sexual assault and two counts of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent following a trial at Kingston Crown Court.

A 17-year-old girl reported Luckhurst, of Worcester Park, Surrey, to police in 2017. She said he had sexually assaulted her while she was on a placement at a hair salon in Twickenham.

The married father-of-two was arrested by police, removed from the salon and charged on October 14, 2019, following an investigation by officers from the Met's Child Abuse Investigation Team. He was bailed by the court and a trial date was set.

While on court bail, Luckhurst established his own hair salon in the Kingston area. In 2021, another 17-year-old girl reported to police she had been sexually assaulted by him during her time as an apprentice.

The offences took place just a few weeks into her apprenticeship at the salon.

Luckhurst denied all of the offences, saying he was just a tactile person and at one point was simply demonstrating a head massage.

On Monday, March 27, 2023, six years after Luckhurst was first reported to police, he was sentenced to six months' imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.

The 36-year-old was also given a sexual harm prevention order which prevents him employing or managing anyone aged under 18.

Detective Constable Natalie Alchin, who led the investigation, said: "Luckhurst completely abused his position as manager of these young women and took advantage of being alone with them during their time at work.

"It is clear that the offences he committed have had a serious and significant impact on both their personal and professional lives. They have shown tremendous bravery, both in coming forward to police and then giving evidence at court.

"We believe there may be other young women who may have worked with Luckhurst and been victim to his predatory behaviour. We would urge anyone who believes that to be the case to come forward and speak to us. We have specialist support in place and will listen to everything you have to say."

Anyone with information should call 101 with reference 1369/4APR23.