Man feels muscles 'with consent'

Akinwale Arobieke says his touching is in no way sexual

A man convicted of squeezing men's muscles and asking them to squat has said he would only touch people "with their consent".

Akinwale Arobieke, known as Purple Aki, from Liverpool, is challenging a Sexual Offences Prevention Order imposed on him on his release from prison in 2006.

He was jailed for six years in 2003 for 16 counts of harassment but has never been convicted of a sex assault.

His case is being heard at a civil hearing at Liverpool Crown Court.

The 46-year-old told the court on Thursday he has given Merseyside Police a list of under 18s he wants to fraternise with - "but there are difficulties", he said.

I will not be measuring people's muscles I don't know Akinwale Arobieke

He said he would only feel people's muscles "with their consent".

He added: "I will not be measuring people's muscles I don't know.

"I won't be going into the street asking to touch people's muscles or squat.

"If I do, it will be with their consent.

"It will be after I have got to know them and if they feel comfortable."

'Easy target'

Mr Arobieke, formerly of Cavendish Gardens, Toxteth, insists his touching is in no way sexual, despite claims from victims that he was sexually aroused when he squeezed them or jumped on their backs.

He told the court that he had become an easy target because of his reputation as Purple Aki and that prisoners made allegations of touching against him so they would be protected and given special privileges in prison.

Kelly Yarwood, a resettlement officer at Dovegate Prison, Staffordshire, told police in June 2006 that Mr Arobieke said prison officers "would see what harassment was" when he was released and he was "a bomb ticking away that will shortly go off".

But Mr Arobieke claimed Miss Yarwood made up the allegation because he had already issued a formal complaint against her.

The case continues.