Man jailed for sexual assault - Manchester

A 34-year-old man has been jailed for sexually assaulting a young woman on a train.

 

Following a British Transport Police investigation, Kristaps Berzins, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to sexual assault at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court last Thursday (4 April).

He was jailed for seven months and issued with a five year Sexual Harm Prevention order which forbids him from sitting next to or across from, approaching, touching or communicating with any lone female on public transport.

He must also sign the sex offenders register for seven years and pay compensation of £300.

 

The court heard how, on Friday 30 June last year, Berzins sat next to a young woman on a train from Birmingham to Manchester.

Despite the woman wearing headphones, he attempted to engage her in conversation making personal and inappropriate comments.

 

Berzins remarks became increasingly aggressive eventually escalating to him sexually assaulting the woman.

 

When Berzins went to the toilet the woman quickly moved to another seat and reported what had happened to a member of train staff who alerted British Transport Police.

 

Investigating officer PC Molly Brunton Cole said: “This was a terrifying encounter for the young woman who bravely reported the incident and supported the investigation.

 

“Thankfully now Berzins is one more sexual predator off the streets.

 

“We take all reports of sexual harassment and unwanted sexual behaviour seriously and will support victims throughout our investigations.

 

“If you experience or witness a sexual offence on the railway, I urge you to report it to 61016 or via the Railway Guardian app. In an emergency, always dial 999.”