Passenger used discreet text service to report man masturbating on train

A man who watched porn and masturbated on board a busy train service has been sentenced, following a British Transport Police investigation.

David Maxwell Valentine, 32, and of Westerleigh road, South Gloucestershire, was found guilty of Outraging Public Decency and sentenced at East Berkshire Magistrates' Court on Friday 24 September.

Valentine was handed a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) for five years, a 36-month community order, 35 days sexual offence treatment programme and ordered to pay £85 court fees and £90 victim surcharge.

On Sunday 27 June, a passenger was travelling on the London Paddington to Swansea service when they noticed Valentine, who was sitting diagonally from them, watching pornography on his phone. Despite trying to hide his phone behind a book, the passenger was still clearly able to see the indecent footage.

The passenger then noticed Valentine had his hand down his trousers and was masturbating. Feeling extremely uncomfortable after what they had witnessed, the passenger reported the incident to BTP by using the discreet text service.

The train was met by officers at Reading. They boarded the train and Valentine was asked to leave the service, so officers could discuss the report with him. While walking through the carriage, officers noticed the service had around 20-30 passengers on board, some of which were children.

One of the officers escorted Valentine off the service, while another officer remained on the train to ask if any other passengers had witnessed anything untoward on the service. The passenger who had reported the incident to BTP made themselves known and was able to provide more information.

The officer alighted the service and Valentine was arrested on the platform for Outraging Public Decency.

BTP Detective Constable Lauren Pace said: “Unwanted sexual behaviour, such as this incident, is unacceptable and will absolutely not be tolerated on the railway.

“I’d like to commend the bravery of the victim for reporting the incident, enabling us to take action and apprehend Valentine for his behaviour.

“Tackling sexual harassment is an absolute priority for us, and we take every report seriously. We want everyone to know they can text us discreetly on 61016, whether something is happening to you at the time or has happened to your recently. No incident is too small or trivial. We will always take you seriously.”