Man jailed for sexually assaulting teenager who refused to give him her phone number – Oxfordshire

A man has been jailed for two years after harassing and sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl on a train, following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

William Roberts, 28, and of London Road, Thornton Heath, was found guilty of one count of sexual assault and one count of failing to surrender to police bail.

He was sentenced to a total of 24 months in prison and ordered to sign the sex offender’s register for 10 years at Reading Crown Court on Monday 20 June.

At around 6.20pm on Wednesday 9 December 2020, the victim who was travelling on a train from Oxford to Princes Risborough came to the aid of a passenger who had fallen unwell. The passenger then got off the train at Bicester and the victim was left alone.

Roberts, who was sat on the same carriage, then approached her and began repeatedly asking for her phone number. She refused to give it to him, insisting that she isn’t interested and is only 16 years old.

Roberts sat down next to the victim and continued to persist despite the victim stating that she is uncomfortable with his behaviour. He then sexually assaulted her.

He got up and walked down the carriage, before returning to her seat and putting his arms out as if to block her from leaving. He attempted to sexually assault her again before the girl pushed him away and escaped.

Following urgent enquiries, Roberts was arrested at his home on 6 January 2020, and in interview claimed that he was only engaging in a ‘nice’ conversation with the victim.

BTP Detective Constable James Egley said: “It’s clear from Roberts’ persistent actions that he is a danger to women and girls, and I’m pleased to see him off the network and behind bars.

“This was a truly distressing incident for the victim who has shown immense bravery coming forward and giving an account of what happened to her.

“No one should be made to feel threatened whilst travelling on the 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.”