"A Danger To Women And Girls": Train Predator Derailed

A train sex pest – branded by police as “a danger to women and girls” - has been locked-up for molesting a lone sixteen year-old.

William Roberts, 28, of London Road, Thornton Heath, Croydon harassed the girl and blocked her fleeing the train carriage.

At Reading Crown Court he was sentenced to twenty-four months imprisonment for one count of sexual assault.

He must also sign the sex offenders register for ten years.

At around 6.20pm on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 the teenage girl was travelling on a train between Oxford and Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire.

She went to the aid of a passenger who had fallen unwell and after the sick individual departed at Bicester the victim was left alone on the train.

Roberts, who was travelling in the same carriage, approached her and began repeatedly asking for her phone number. 

She refused to give it to him, insisting that she isn’t interested and was only sixteen years-old.

Roberts sat down next to the victim and continued to persist despite the victim stating that she is uncomfortable with his behaviour. 

He then sexually assaulted her.

Roberts got up and walked down the carriage, before returning to her seat and putting his arms out as if to block her from leaving. 

He attempted to sexually assault her again before the girl pushed him away and escaped.

Following urgent enquiries, Roberts was arrested at his home a month later and in interview claimed that he was only engaging in a “nice” conversation with the victim.

British Transport Police Detective Constable James Egley said: “It’s clear from Roberts’ persistent actions that he is a danger to women and girls and I’m pleased to see him off the network and behind bars.

“This was a truly distressing incident for the victim, who has shown immense bravery coming forward and giving an account of what happened to her.

“No one should be made to feel threatened whilst travelling on the network and we are actively taking serious action against sexual offenders.

“I urge anyone who experiences or witnesses sexual harassment or a sexual offence on the railway to report it to BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40. We will always take you seriously.”