BREAKING: A man has been fined £300 following his conviction for three assaults on different women in the Comber Greenway area. Hemanth Podilapu, aged 32, was arrested over the weekend after failing to appear at Belfast’s Laganside Court on November 21, 2024, where he faced five charges of common assault stemming from incidents that occurred in August 2024.
Podilapu appeared in court on November 24, pleading not guilty to all charges but was ultimately convicted on three counts. He received a fine of £100 for each assault charge.
Authorities report that Podilapu was apprehended by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) on November 23 in the north of Belfast, acting on an outstanding bench warrant. A PSNI spokesperson stated, “District Support Team Officers in Belfast apprehended a 32-year-old man in relation to an outstanding bench warrant.”
This case sheds light on the ongoing issues of public safety and assault in community areas, sparking discussions around the protection of women in public spaces. The incidents have raised significant concerns among residents and local advocacy groups.
As investigations continue, the community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to Belfast Live and sign up for our daily newsletter.
