A train manager who preyed on a young woman has been sentenced to seven years in prison

A 38-year-old man has been jailed after he sexually assaulted an 18-year-old woman on a train from Cardiff to Swansea last summer.

Nicholas McMurray, of Bryn Goleu Swansea, was found guilty of Sexual Assault and Assault by Penetration at Swansea Crown Court on Wednesday 5th February.

He has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment today (28 February). He has been placed on the sex offenders register for life.

The court heard how on Saturday 22 June last year, at around 8.45pm, McMurray approached the victim in his capacity as train manager for Great Western Railway and asked to check her ticket.

As he passed her seat he then adjusted the dress she was wearing.

Shortly before the train arrived in Swansea while the victim was standing  in the vestibule talking on her mobile phone McMurray approached her and sexually assaulted her.

He continued to hold the victim until the train pulled into the station and made sexually explicit comments to her before touching her again as she got off the train.

The victim bravely approached officers at the station and reported the incident. Officers found McMurray who was still standing by the stationery train and arrested him.

McMurray was immediately removed from duty as Train Manager for GWR and now no longer works for the company.   

Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Farrell, said: “When arrested, McMurray lied to officers stating the victim had tried to kiss him and he had pushed her off.  His lies continued in interview as he claimed that the victim had consented to his actions” 

"McMurray completely abused his position and took advantage of this young woman.

 I would like to take this opportunity to thank the victim for her courage and bravery throughout the police investigation.  

"McMurray will now have to spend a considering amount of time to reflect on the actions he took that day”

“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. We will always take you seriously.”