Jail for man who sexually assaulted rail staff member – Cambridgeshire

A 53 year old man has been jailed after he sexually assaulted a member of rail staff on a train.

 

 

Following a British Transport Police investigation Benjamin Wetherill, of HMP Hull, pleaded guilty to sexual assault at Cambridge Crown Court on Tuesday 2 April and was jailed for four months.

 

He was also handed a 10 year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must pay a victim surcharge of £187.

 

The court heard how on Thursday June 15 last year, a drunk Wetherill was travelling on a train service towards Peterborough when a female staff member approached him, concerned that he had missed his stop.

 

Realising he was travelling in the wrong direction, the woman got out her route map and began advising Wetherill on how best to continue his journey when he sexually assaulted her and made a lewd comment.

 

She reported the incident to a guard who in turn contacted British Transport Police who met the service at Peterborough and arrested Wetherill.

 

Investigating officer DS Mike Leconte said: “Despite what happened to her the woman somehow managed to remain professional and reported what happened due to her concern that he may subject a passenger to a similar assault as he continued on his journey.

 

“This was a disgusting and defiant violation of someone who was simply doing her job. Being in drink or intoxicated is absolutely no excuse for behaviour like this, and we commend the woman for reporting what happened to us.

 

“We take all reports of sexual offences seriously and support victims throughout our investigations.

 

“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.”