Ilia Belov and his sister Nadjedzha Belova are mounting an appeal against their sentences following their convictions for assaulting two young girls in Dundee. According to BBC News, the case attracted significant public attention after a video emerged showing one of the victims holding an axe and knife, which was later highlighted by Elon Musk on social media.
Belov, 23, was sentenced earlier this month to 18 months on the sex offenders register and supervision, along with a 300-hour unpaid work order, after conviction for assaulting a 12-year-old girl and making sexual remarks to her and her friends. His sister Nadjedzha Belova, 20, was ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work after admitting to assaulting another girl in the group, causing injury. The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service confirmed that an appeal against the sentences had been formally lodged.
The confrontation occurred in the Lochee area of Dundee in August 2025, involving girls aged between 12 and 14. During the trial, the court heard that Belov had approached the group and made inappropriate remarks, saying "hello sexy, I'll show you a good time" as he walked past them. When one of the girls responded by calling him a creep, he returned to confront the group and telephoned his sister, who arrived and assaulted one of the girls.
Belov claimed he had spotted the girl's weapon and, concerned for his sister's safety, had pushed her. He also alleged that the children had directed derogatory language at him, including calling him a migrant and using profanities. However, Sheriff Niven-Smith rejected his self-defence claim, describing the girls' evidence as "eloquent."
What is the focus of the appeal?
Belov's solicitor Larry Flynn told BBC Scotland News that the appeal would concentrate specifically on his client's placement on the sex offenders register rather than challenging the supervision requirement or the unpaid work order. This targeted approach suggests the defence believes the registration requirement is disproportionate to the offences committed.
Why were community sentences imposed?
According to the Irish News, the sheriff determined that the offences crossed the threshold for imprisonment but opted for community sentences taking into account the siblings' youth, employment history and absence of previous or ongoing criminal convictions. This reasoning indicates the court viewed their circumstances as mitigating factors warranting an alternative to custody.
What was the sentencing rationale?
The Scottish Judiciary published the sheriff's sentencing statement on 9 October 2026, setting out the court's reasoning for the sentences imposed and explaining the 18-month notification requirement on the sex offenders register. The statement provided detailed justification for the decision to impose non-custodial penalties despite the seriousness of the conduct.
Background to the case
The incident drew widespread controversy after a video circulated showing one of the victims holding weapons. Elon Musk criticised the girl's arrest, claiming she was "trying to defend herself," which sparked broader debate about the circumstances surrounding the confrontation. First Minister John Swinney subsequently apologised to the girl involved in the incident, acknowledging the distress caused by the case and its public prominence.
Key Facts:
- Ilia Belov, 23, received 18 months on the sex offenders register, supervision and 300 hours unpaid work for assaulting a 12-year-old and making sexual remarks
- Nadjedzha Belova, 20, was ordered to complete 180 hours unpaid work for assaulting another girl in the group
- The appeal focuses on the sex offenders register requirement rather than other sentence components
- The incident occurred in Lochee, Dundee in August 2025, involving girls aged 12 to 14
- The case attracted international attention after a video emerged and was highlighted by Elon Musk on social media
