A man who carried out two separate sexual assaults on a train within minutes has been sentenced to six years in prison, with British Transport Police commending the bravery of victims and intervening passengers.
Horrific Sequence of Attacks on Railway Service
Daniel Odubanjo, 27, from King Avenue in Clapham, was travelling on a service from Shenfield to Chelmsford on November 29, 2024, when he launched his attacks. The first victim, a 21-year-old woman, was using the train toilet when Odubanjo persistently hammered on the door.
When she unlocked the door anticipating another passenger needed the facilities, Odubanjo shoved her back into the cubicle, secured the door, and sexually assaulted her while seizing her wrists. The woman managed to open the door and attempted to alert another passenger, but was dragged back into the toilet where the assault continued as she cried for help.
Only when she falsely claimed to be 14 years old did Odubanjo release her. In an extremely distressed condition, she contacted train staff and alighted at Chelmsford station, where she reported the incident to British Transport Police.
Second Attack and Passenger Intervention
Shortly afterwards, Odubanjo approached a 17-year-old girl boarding the same service and positioned himself opposite her. He posed a series of inappropriate questions before exposing himself. When he excused himself to use the toilet, the teenager relocated to be nearer other passengers and informed them of what had occurred.
Upon returning, Odubanjo positioned himself beside the girl and sexually assaulted her. A fellow passenger seated nearby intervened, pulling Odubanjo away from the teenager. This crucial intervention allowed British Transport Police officers to meet the train at Hatfield Peverel station, on the outskirts of Chelmsford, where Odubanjo was detained.
Court Conviction and Sentencing
Following a trial, jurors convicted Odubanjo of false imprisonment and two counts of sexual assault. At Chelmsford Crown Court on January 12, he received a six-year custodial sentence and was instructed to pay a victim surcharge.
The court also issued a Sexual Health Prevention Order (SHPO) barring him from being intoxicated by any substance while using public transport, at stations, or on Network Rail premises.
Police Commendation for Bravery
BTP Detective Sergeant Hayley Whyte said: "Odubanjo preyed on a young woman and a teenage girl in terrifying attacks just minutes apart. Both were left distressed and traumatised by the vile assaults he subjected them to. Despite this, their courage and determination to see him brought to justice has resulted in a suitably lengthy prison sentence."
"I commend their bravery, and that of the bystanders who intervened in the second attack." Detective Sergeant Whyte urged anyone who experiences or witnesses a sexual offence on-board a train or at a station to report it by texting 61016, or dialling 999 in an emergency.
She emphasised that every report is taken seriously and that police take swift action to trace sexual offenders and ensure they face justice.
