Upskirting sex attacker jailed for three and a half years

A man has been sentenced to three and half years in prison after he sexually assaulted a schoolgirl and was found to have tens of thousands of indecent images.

Juan Cervera, 40, of Anchor Drive, Tottenham, pleaded not guilty to sexual assault but was found guilty by a jury in 2022. He pleaded guilty voyeurism and upskirting at Inner London Crown Court on 18 September 2023.

On Friday 10 November 2023, the judge sentenced him to three years for sexual assault and six months for voyeurism and upskirting.

On the 18^th of November 2020, a 12-year-old girl was on a train on her way to school wearing her school uniform. 

In front of other passengers, Cervera brazenly approached her, put his hand up her skirt and sexually assaulted her.

She left the train and Cervera continued to follow her until she ran away from him at King’s Cross Station.

After an extensive investigation that lasted 6 months, Cervera was identified and arrested. 

At this point, police recovered multiple phones and hard drives from his address.

Police found that they contained tens of thousands of indecent images, including upskirting, outraging public decency and voyeurism.

As part of the efforts to identify Cervera, a police sketch artist recreated the distinctive tattoo on the offender's hand.

During questioning, Cervera showed no remorse for his actions, refusing to comment when he was shown CCTV of his actions and presented with the evidence from his devices.

Detective Sergeant Robert Wilkes said,

“One brave victim coming forward led us to a vile and prolific offender. Her testimony has helped us make sure that he is no longer a danger to women on rail network.

The victim, who is just twelve years old, first noticed Cervera because he was staring at her. He quickly went on to assault her and our investigation then revealed a litany of other offences.

This case shows how offending escalates and how one offender may have multiple victims.  

We are dedicated to stopping these types of offenders at the earliest point possible.  

If you’ve seen or experienced any type of sexual behaviour that makes you uncomfortable – be it staring, someone following another passenger, or someone taking photos - I urge you to report it to police”.

Detective Chief Inspector Nia Mellor said,

“This result comes after an extensive investigation that shows we will do everything in our power to put sexual offenders behind bars.  

British Transport Police detectives doggedly pursued this case, starting with limited lines of enquiry.

The extensive CCTV on the rail network and intelligence sharing with other police forces led us to Cervera.

Offenders should be in no doubt that, if you commit crime on the rail network, we will identify you.”