A ROMANIAN dish washer has appeared in court accused of slapping the bottoms of 19 women as he cycled past.

Constantin Barbutu is facing 21 charges of sexual assault over six months in Brighton and Hove.

Police believe the 20-year-old is responsible for at least 24 complaints of bottom slapping by women in the city between September last year and February this year, the court heard.

He is accused of cycling up to the woman and slapping them before riding away.

A translator explained the court proceedings to Mr Barbutu who spoke only to confirm his name, address and that he understood the charges at Brighton Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Andrew Walker, prosecuting, said: “These are 21 incidents of sexual assault which involves the defendant approaching female members of the public and striking their bottoms before making off.”

Mr Walker asked for the case to be referred to a crown court due to the likely length and complexity of a trial.

He said: “Two victims have made identifications and all the victims will have to give evidence with the interpreter present.

“It has a complexity which goes beyond this court.

“It is not a one-off incident. It is a whole series of incidents.

“Clearly, it is a serious matter.”

Women across the city reported 24 incidents when they had been grabbed, slapped or had sexual gestures made towards them by a man riding a bicycle.

Sussex Police said most of the reported incidents happened at night and stretched across the city – with most of the offences taking place from the early evening through to 3am.

Barbutu, of Cromwell Road, Hove, has been in the UK for two years and has been working as a dish washer in Brighton for the last year.

Magistrate David Watkins released him on bail until he appears at a crown court next month.

He was banned from riding a bicycle or applying for any travel documents.

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Where the incidents are alleged to have taken place include: 

Old Steine, London Road, Madeira Drive and Montpelier Terrace, in Brighton;

Richardson Road, New Church Road, Portland Avenue, King's Road, Holland Road, Somerhill Road, Brunswick Lawns, St Ann's Wells Gardens, Lansdowne Road, The Drive, Cromwell Road, Medina Villas and Eaton Villas, in Hove.