Matthew Lewis, 55, was already subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) for previous offending on the railway and struck again.
The girls were travelling on a service from Margate towards Rainham, Kent on Thursday, June 3, last year when they were approached by Lewis.
He began speaking to them and persistently made inappropriate comments towards both girls, asking to take them for a drink and suggesting they run away with him.
He continued despite them insisting that they were only 16 years
-old before sitting down next to the victim and sexually assaulting her.
Lewis, of Deerton Street, Sittingbourne, Kent pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault and one count of breaching the CBO.
At Canterbury Crown Court he was sentenced to two years and ten months imprisonment and was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.
During the morning journey a male passenger noticed the girls seemed uncomfortable in Lewis' presence and challenged his behaviour.
A group of passengers invited the girls to sit with them further down the carriage.
The girls moved away and got off the train at Rainham when they noticed Lewis had also alighted there.
They pointed him out to two members of rail staff who reported the offence to the British Transport Police (BTP).
Officers immediately attended and arrested Lewis at the scene.
Appearing drunk, the officers suspected Lewis was in breach of his CBO, which restricted him from travelling on the network while intoxicated.
BTP Detective Constable Stephen Gadd, said: “Lewis is a dangerous individual who subjected a young girl to extremely unacceptable sexual behaviour, and I’m pleased to see him behind bars.
“His actions left the victim and her friend feeling hugely distressed, and I want to thank them for bravely reporting the incident and supporting our investigation.
“No one should experience such vile behaviour as they travel.
“If you experience or witness a sexual offence on the railway, I strongly urge you to report it to us by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40.
“We will always take you seriously. In an emergency always dial 999.”
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