Man jailed for sexually harassing a schoolgirl – East London

A 55-year-old man has been jailed for six months after sexually harassing a teenage girl as she travelled home from school last summer.

His sentencing follows a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Roger Iriri, of Ford Road, Dagenham, pleaded guilty to three counts of causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress contrary to Section 5 and 4(a) of the Public Order Act.

A judge at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court sentenced him to 26 weeks imprisonment on Thursday 1 June.

At just after 3pm on 1 July 2022, the victim, a 13-year-old girl, entered Barking railway station as she travelled home from school.

She was then approached by Iriri who invaded her personal space and asked her how she was and what school she went to.

Two members of the public intervened to move the victim away from him, but as they did so he made a series of sexually explicit comments aimed at her.

The police were called by security guards at the station, and officers raced to the scene, arrested Iriri and conveyed him to custody for questioning.

BTP Sergeant Helen Hardless, investigating officer in the case, said: “No one should be subjected to such repulsive remarks as they travel, especially not a young girl returning from school.  

“There is simply no place for offenders like Iriri on the rail network, and this case should serve as a stark warning to offenders – we will do everything in our power to bring you to justice. 

“If you witness or experience a sexual harassment on the railway, report it to us by texting 61016. No report is too small or too trivial and we will always take your seriously.”