A hairdresser has been jailed for sexually assaulting two students in south west London.

Alan Luckhurst, of Worcester Park in Surrey, was found guilty 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 on January 26, 2023.

On Monday, March 27, 2023, the 36-year-old was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, and given a sexual harm prevention order which prevents him employing anyone under the age of 18 or acting as their manager.

In 2017, a teenager reported to police that Luckhurst had sexually assaulted her while she was on placement at a hairdressers in Twickenham.

Luckhurst was arrested by police, removed from the salon, and later charged on October 14, 2019.

He was bailed by the court and a trial date was set.

While on court bail, Luckhurst set up his own salon in the Kingston area.

In 2021, another teenage girl came forward to police and said she had been sexually assaulted by him during her time as an apprentice.

The offences took place just a few weeks after she had started at the company.

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

Officers are appealing for anyone who believes they may have been a victim to similar offences to come forward.

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.”