Barnet Resident Receives Prison Sentence for Lewd Act on Crowded Commuter Train
A man from Barnet has been sentenced to prison after engaging in sexual activity on a busy morning train while staring directly at a female passenger. The disturbing incident occurred during peak commuting hours, highlighting ongoing concerns about safety on public transportation.
Incident Details and Victim's Response
Igor Borges, a 29-year-old resident of Nether Street in Barnet, was traveling on a train from London Bridge Station to West Croydon at approximately 9:00 AM on September 1 last year. The victim first noticed Borges staring at her through a window reflection before turning to see him masturbating openly. Despite her visible distress, Borges continued the act and even placed his finger to his lips in a silencing gesture when she attempted to call emergency services.
The courageous woman immediately left her seat and moved to another carriage, but Borges followed her and offered an apology. As she walked through the train, she alerted fellow passengers about what had occurred. Several commuters intervened to prevent Borges from continuing to follow the victim, demonstrating community vigilance in confronting inappropriate behavior.
Existing Prevention Order and Police Investigation
British Transport Police officers discovered that Borges already had an active Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) dating back to August 2023. This court order specifically prohibited him from making any direct or indirect approach to unfamiliar females in public spaces. The train incident constituted a clear violation of these legal restrictions.
Following the incident, Borges disembarked at West Croydon station, but British Transport Police detectives successfully tracked him to his Barnet residence, where he was arrested two weeks later. Initially, Borges denied involvement, claiming police had identified the wrong individual. During subsequent interviews, he offered the implausible explanation that he believed himself to be alone on the crowded morning train.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Facing substantial evidence compiled by British Transport Police detectives, Borges changed his plea from not guilty to guilty. At Inner London Crown Court on Monday, February 2, he received a sentence of one year and eight months imprisonment for charges of exposure and breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
The court additionally mandated that Borges register as a sex offender for ten years and pay a victim surcharge. This sentencing reflects the seriousness with which the judicial system treats sexual offenses on public transportation, particularly when committed by individuals with existing prevention orders.
Police Statement and Public Safety Message
British Transport Police Detective Constable Karim Omer emphasized the importance of reporting such incidents, stating: "This is not the first time Borges has been caught for a crime like this, and his far-fetched excuse that he was alone on a train in Central London at 9:00 AM did not wash with us. It is thanks to the courage of the victim in reporting his disgusting actions that we have been able to bring him before the courts and put him behind bars."
DC Omer continued: "If you experience or witness a sexual offense on-board a train or at a station, I urge you to report it to us by texting 61016. We take every report seriously and will stop at nothing to bring sexual offenders like Borges to justice."
The case underscores the critical role that both vigilant passengers and prompt reporting play in maintaining safety across London's extensive rail network. British Transport Police have reinforced their commitment to investigating all reports of sexual misconduct on public transportation, with specialized teams dedicated to supporting victims and pursuing offenders through the legal system.
