Repeat Offender Receives Prison Sentence for Train Exposure Crimes
A serial offender has been returned to prison after committing what police describe as sickening behaviour by exposing himself to women on trains in South London. James Gathercole, 40, of Leigham Court Road, London, was sentenced to two years and four months imprisonment at Lewes Crown Court in East Sussex.
Latest Offence Committed Shortly After Release
According to British Transport Police, Gathercole committed his most recent offence just twelve days after being released from prison on licence. The court heard how he pleaded guilty to two counts of exposure and being in breach of both a sexual harm prevention order and his prison release licence conditions.
Disturbing Incident on London to East Grinstead Service
The latest incident occurred on the morning of July 15 last year aboard a train travelling from London to East Grinstead in West Sussex. A female passenger noticed Gathercole staring at her from a nearby seat. After other passengers disembarked at East Croydon station, he fully exposed himself and began masturbating while continuing to stare at the woman.
The victim left the train at Upper Warlingham and immediately reported the incident to railway staff, who promptly contacted British Transport Police. Officers boarded the service at East Grinstead, found Gathercole asleep on board, and arrested him at the scene.
Pattern of Previous Offending
This was not Gathercole's first conviction for such offences. In July 2024, he received a prison sentence for two separate incidents that occurred on May 26 of that year, when he exposed himself to women on London trains and masturbated. For that conviction, he received a ten-year sexual harm prevention order with specific conditions:
- Prohibition from making any form of contact with lone women
- Requirement to have a valid payment method when using public transport
British Transport Police confirmed that Gathercole violated both conditions during the July 15 incident. Furthermore, he breached his prison release licence conditions just six days before the train incident by failing to remain inside his home after 7pm.
Additional Offence from June 2024
The second count of exposure for which Gathercole was sentenced on February 2 related to another incident that occurred on June 4, 2024. On that occasion, he again exposed himself and masturbated on a train in south London, demonstrating a pattern of predatory behaviour targeting women travelling alone.
Police Response and Public Safety Message
Detective Constable Jean-Pierre Choolhun of British Transport Police stated: "It is entirely right that, following our investigation, James Gathercole is now back in custody. There is absolutely no place for this sickening behaviour in our society."
The detective continued: "We take all reports of sexual offending extremely seriously, and this case demonstrates that commitment. Our officers acted immediately, intercepting the train and arresting Gathercole shortly after the report was made."
British Transport Police have reinforced their message to the public regarding reporting such incidents:
- Anyone who is a victim of or witnesses a sexual offence on the railway should report it immediately
- Reports can be made by texting 61016
- Alternatively, call 0800 405040 to speak directly with officers
The case highlights ongoing concerns about safety on public transport and the challenges of managing repeat offenders who continue to pose risks to women travelling alone. The substantial prison sentence reflects the seriousness with which the courts view such violations of sexual harm prevention orders and predatory behaviour on public transport networks.
