Thursday 23 November 2023

"Disgusting And Callous Predator" Jailed For Train Sex Attacks

A public transport predator, who targeted lone vulnerable female train passengers, is starting a 14-month prison sentence.

Hailu Getemariam, 24, of Southend Lane, Sydenham molested three females within six weeks.

He was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court for three offences of sexual assault and is now banned from sitting next to potential victims when travelling on a train.

That is part of a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order imposed on Getemariam, who is also prohibited from talking to or touching females on trains.

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

The court heard how on March 25 the victim was travelling alone on a quiet train towards Beckenham Hill station when Getemariam boarded and took a seat beside her, despite there being several seats elsewhere.

Getemariam sexually assaulted the victim throughout the 10 – 15 minute journey. 

She reported feeling scared and blocked in by him due to the proximity of their seats.
As the victim attempted to leave the train at Beckenham Hill, Getemariam also departed the service. 

The victim confronted him and told him to leave her alone otherwise she would call the police.

Less than a month later, on April 18, on board a Northern line train between London Bridge and Balham Underground, Getemariam assaulted a second victim.

The victim reported boarding a busy service where Getemariam stood behind her. 

He used the busy train as a cover to sexually assault her. 

She was able to move further away, however he sexually assaulted her again.

Just over three weeks later, on May 10, a third victim boarded a Jubilee line train between Westminster and London Bridge when – despite there being plenty of space on the train – Getemariam intruded on her personal space and sexually assaulted her.

After moving away, the victim then witnessed him sexually assault another woman. 

Following this, she filmed Getemariam and took pictures of him.

Detectives from British Transport Police followed several lines of enquiry, including CCTV identification to link the three offences and circulated that he was wanted for questioning. 

On May 15 Getemariam was arrested.

Detective Constable Tom Bolton said: “Getemariam is a disgusting and callous predator, who took advantage of the rail network to sexually assault multiple women.

The bravery of these three victims coming forward highlights how important each report to British Transport Police is. 

By linking the three reports together, despite his not guilty plea, the evidence spoke for itself and he was found guilty.

Vile behaviour like Getemariam’s will not be tolerated on the rail network and we are dedicated to tackling offences like this.

If you are a victim of, or a witness to, a sexual offence on the railway - I urge you to report it to BTP by texting 61016 or via the Railway Guardian app. We will always take you seriously.”

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