Serial offender jailed for masturbating in front of woman on train - London

A man faces 16 months behind bars after he was caught masturbating in front of a woman on the London Underground, following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Terence Emberson, 55, and of Church Road, Hertford, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 18 July, where he pleaded guilty to one count of indecent exposure and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which he was given for another exposure offence in 2020.

On Monday 15 August Emberson was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment at Inner London Crown Court. He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.

At around 7pm on Wednesday 1 June, Emberson boarded a Victoria Line train at Tottenham Hale station and the victim noticed him staring in the direction of two other women on the carriage.

He then turned towards her and exposed his genitals, staring at her while he masturbated in front of her.

Officers quickly matched the victim’s account and description of the offender to Emberson, evidencing a breach of his SHPO which prohibited him from lowering or unzipping his trousers in any public place. He was later arrested at his home.

BTP Detective Constable Emma Martin, said: “I’m pleased to see Emberson behind bars for his sickening actions which left the victim horrified.

“Sexual Harm Prevention Orders are given to protect the public, and Emberson’s blatant disregard of this proves his predatory mindset.

“No one should be subjected to this behaviour as they travel, and we are absolutely committed to stamping it out.

“I urge anyone who experiences or witnesses a sexual offence on the railway to report it to us by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40. We will always take you seriously. In an emergency, always dial 999.”