BREAKING: A man has been fined £300 after being convicted of assaulting three different women in the Comber Greenway area. Hemanth Podilapu, aged 32, was apprehended by police on November 23, 2024, following an outstanding warrant for his arrest related to multiple assault charges.
Podilapu was initially due in court on November 21 but failed to appear at Belfast’s Laganside Court. The charges stem from incidents that occurred in August 2024, involving five women in total. On November 24, he pleaded not guilty to all charges but was convicted on three counts of common assault, resulting in fines of £100 for each conviction.
A spokesperson for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed Podilapu’s arrest, stating, “District Support Team Officers in Belfast apprehended a 32-year-old man in the north of the city today, Sunday 23rd November, in relation to an outstanding bench warrant.”
This development highlights growing concerns around safety in public spaces, as three women have been directly affected by these assaults. The incidents have sparked discussions about the need for increased security measures in the Comber Greenway area, known for its walking and cycling paths.
Authorities are urging anyone who feels unsafe or has been a victim of similar crimes to report incidents to the police. The court’s decision to impose a fine serves as a reminder of the legal repercussions for such actions, but many are calling for more stringent penalties to deter future assaults.
As the community processes this news, residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity. This case is a stark reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding public safety and the importance of addressing violence against women in all forms.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. For the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage and subscribe to our daily newsletter for immediate updates on similar stories impacting your community.
