Man jailed for sexually assaulting a woman on the Night Tube – London

A man will spend one year in jail and a decade on the sex offenders register after a woman awoke on the Night Tube to discover him stroking her.

His conviction follows a successful investigation by British Transport Police (BTP) officers.

Michal Piczak, 31, and of Station Road, Walthamstow, appeared at Inner London Crown Court on 28 October where he pleaded not guilty to sexual assault.

A jury found him guilty at trial and he was sentenced by a judge to one-year imprisonment, and to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.

In the early hours of 29 September 2019, the victim was travelling home on-board a Victoria line night service when she fell asleep.

As the Tube approached Walthamstow Central Underground station she awoke to Piczak stroking her legs and kicked out to get him away from her. 

On arriving at the station, she approached a member of rail staff, pointed out Piczak and said, “stop him, he’s been touching me”.

A BTP officer at the station was alerted to the incident and he was promptly arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.

CCTV footage captures Piczak’s actions as he reached over the Tube’s aisle to touch the sleeping victim before moving next to her and stroking her legs.

Detective Constable Ibrar Ahmed, investigating officer in the case, said: “Piczak is a sordid sex offender who targeted a lone woman as she slept and subjected her to a prolonged sexual assault. 

“His jail term sends out a clear message to anyone who exhibits this type of behaviour on the railway – we will catch you and bring you to justice without exception. 

“If you are a victim of, or witness to, any form of sexual offending on the railway, please report it to us by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40. Always dial 999 if you’re in immediate danger.”