Predator jailed after sexually assaulting woman at station – Berkshire

A sex offender who targeted a young woman as she waited for a train home from work has been jailed, following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.  

Neil Shorter, aged 56, and from Bicester, appeared at Oxford Crown Court on Tuesday 18 August where he was jailed for two years and three months for the sexual assault and a separate offence of stalking following a Thames Valley Police (TVP) investigation.

He was also handed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and ordered to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.

The court heard how, on Tuesday 13 August 2024, Shorter approached a young woman as she waited for a train at Newbury station.

After engaging her in a short conversation where he asked for directions, Shorter walked away before returning and sexually assaulting her while her back was turned.

Shaken and upset, she sought help from a member of station staff and pointed out Shorter as the man who assaulted her.

Detectives identified Shorter who at the time was remanded in prison awaiting ahead of a court hearing for the stalking offence.

He was arrested in prison on 7 November 2024 before being charged with sexual assault in connection to the incident at Newbury station in August.

BTP Detective Constable Kirsty Birley said: “This was a shocking attack in broad daylight at a busy station.

“Before the attack Shorter can be seen pacing up and down the platform clearly seeking out the victim in what was a pre-planned assault.

“I commend the bravery of the woman for immediately reporting what happened and supporting our subsequent investigation which has resulted in an additional sentence for a sexual predator.

“Tackling sexual offending on the railway is a top priority for BTP and we encourage anyone who is victim of, or witness to, this crime type to report it to us by texting 61016.”