Sleeping Bus Passenger Molested

A “predatory” pervert, who sexually assaulted a woman after she fell asleep on a bus, has been jailed for seven years.

David O’Brien, 51, was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court after he was convicted of sexual assault by penetration.

The victim, aged in her twenties, did not give evidence and the prosecution relied on CCTV footage recorded on the 243 bus as it travelled through Hackney.

O'Brien pounced on his sleeping victim as it travelled along Stoke Newington Road on May 31, last year.

She awoke to find him molesting her and her shocked and distressed reaction prompted O’Brien to flee the bus when it stopped. 

Police were called and an investigation launched by officers from the Central East Command.

Through diligent CCTV enquiries officers were able to identify O’Brien after an officer recognised him from the footage. 

On August 7 he was arrested in York Way, King's Cross and was taken into custody.

DC Hema Patel said: “O’Brien is a dangerous and predatory individual who, in a particularly abhorrent act, targeted the victim while she was asleep and therefore defenceless.

“The victim has shown extreme bravery and courage in reporting the incident and helping us to bring O’Brien to justice and therefore preventing him from committing further offences.

“Whilst she did not wish to provide evidence at the trial, the overwhelming CCTV evidence against O’Brien ensured he would be held to account for his serious crimes.”