Man jailed for sexual assault on teen - Wirral
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A 28-year-old man has been jailed for sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl, following a British Transport Police investigation.
James Owen, of Poulton Road, Poulton, Wirral, had previously pleaded guilty to sexual assault by touching and was sentenced to two years on Wednesday 7 June at Liverpool Crown Court.
The court heard how, on Thursday 10 June 2021, the victim boarded a train at Bidston station with two friends.
Owen also boarded the service and sat across from the group, engaging them in conversation.
He then touched the victim intimately before she pushed him away and ran to inform the conductor who ejected Owen from the service and arranged alternative transport for the shaken victim and her friends.
He was identified from an alias he gave to one of the group and was arrested.
Investigating officer DS Stephen Kite said: "This was an extremely distressing incident for the victim who has shown great bravery throughout the investigation.
"Owen deliberately and unashamedly violated her and showed no remorse for the ordeal she suffered.
"His repugnant behaviour has rightly landed him behind bars.
“No one should be made to feel threatened whilst travelling on the rail network and we are actively taking serious action against sexual offenders.
“I urge anyone who experiences or witnesses sexual harassment or a sexual offence on the railway to report it to BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40. We will always take you seriously.”
