Man sentenced for sex assault on female police officer – Carlisle

A 33-year-old man has been sentenced after sexually touching a police officer, following a British Transport Police investigation.

 

Mark Halliday, of Stonyhurst Street, Glasgow, was found guilty of sexual touching and sentenced to a four month community order with curfew at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court on Friday, May 21. He was ordered to pay court costs of £620, a victim surcharge of £95 and £200 compensation to his victim.

The court heard how on October 17 last year, during the pandemic and against public health advice, Halliday travelled with two friends from Glasgow to Carlisle for a drinking session.

 

His victim, a police officer, was patrolling the area with her male colleagues as Rangers and Celtic football fans travelled to Carlisle to watch a televised football match.

 

Halliday was headed out of the main entrance with his two friends but deviated from his route when he spotted the female police officer, walking directly behind her and touching her bottom.

 

He was subsequently arrested.

 

In police interview he claimed his actions were nothing more than a joke and that ‘boys will be boys’.

 

Inspector Garry Ashbridge said: “Halliday’s appalling attitude towards women is clear from his response. He clearly has no respect for his victim, refusing to plead guilty and attempting to play down a sexual assault as nothing more than a joke. Unwanted sexual behaviour of any kind has no place in society and absolutely no place on the railway, whether directed towards the public, rail staff or our officers.

 

“I would urge anyone subjected to, or witness to, unwanted sexual behaviour on the railway to text us on 61016. In an emergency, always call 999.”

 

“No report is too small or trivial, and we will always take you seriously. Everyone has the right to a safe journey.”