BTP secures first charge under new legislation tackling sex based harassment

British Transport Police (BTP) has secured its first charge under newly introduced sex-based harassment legislation, which it urged the government to introduce to help better protect the public.

The charges came just two days after the new legislation came into force on 1 April.

Officers were called to London Bridge station at around 10.50pm on 3 April following a report that a man was making sexually motivated comments towards a woman on a train from Hastings. Officers met the train at London Bridge and identified the man who was arrested and taken to custody.

David Stroud, 43, of Buckland Hill, Maidstone, has now been charged in connection to the incident. Stroud is charged with the new Section 4B offence under the Public Order Act 1986 and will appear at Highbury Magistrates’ Court on 7 May.

The new Section 4B strengthens existing public order powers by criminalising behaviour which causes intentional harassment, alarm or distress because of a person’s sex or presumed sex.

The law builds upon the already established Section 4A offence while introducing higher available sentences of up to two years’ in prison, reflecting the seriousness of sex‑based harassment in public spaces.

This legislation provides clearer grounds to address behaviours such as following, obstructing, obscene comments, aggressive gestures, or threatening invasions of personal space when motivated by sex – giving officers greater powers to intervene earlier, take firmer action against offenders and protect victims.

Detective Chief Inspector Nia Mellor said: “We’ve worked tirelessly over the last few years to stamp out sexual harassment on the rail network – raising awareness of unacceptable behaviours and empowering victims to report them to us, knowing they will always be believed and taken seriously.   

“Until now, there was no specific legislation addressing this behaviour which in some cases could make it difficult to prosecute – which is why we’ve worked with our partners at TfL and the Rail Delivery Group, as well as specialist support organisations such as the Suzy Lamplugh Trust to push the government for change.

“That work has now delivered results, with the new legislation strengthening our powers to deal with sexual harassment and making it clear that offenders will be dealt with robustly. This work is central to keeping the public safe and upholding our commitment to protecting those who need us most.

“I’d urge anyone who experiences or witnesses sexual harassment on the rail network to report it to us discreetly by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40.”