A 35-year-old man has been sentenced to six months imprisonment for sexually assaulting a woman on a crowded Central line train during the morning rush hour.
Opportunistic Attack on Commuter
Jatinder Singh, who also goes by the name Vicky Singh Sangha, carried out the assault on October 2 last year. He boarded a westbound train at Liverpool Street station just after 8.20am.
Taking advantage of the extremely busy and cramped conditions, Sangha used the packed carriage to conceal his actions as he targeted a woman in her 30s who was travelling to work.
Swift Reporting Leads to Arrest
The victim showed remarkable bravery by immediately texting the British Transport Police (BTP) on the dedicated railway number 61016 to report the crime.
This prompt action enabled officers familiar with the case to recognise and arrest Sangha just a few days later at King's Cross station. Sangha, who is of no fixed address, subsequently pleaded guilty to Sexual Assault.
Court Sentence and Police Warning
At the London Inner Crown Court on Tuesday, November 25, Sangha was handed a 26-week prison sentence. He was also ordered to pay a £187 victim surcharge and must register with the police for the next 10 years.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Steven Ridpath-Mitchell condemned the crime. "Sangha's opportunistic behaviour was totally unacceptable," he said. "The victim was trying to go about her daily life on her way to work and should not have been subjected to his abhorrent and despicable actions."
He praised the victim's courage, stating it was "down to the bravery of the victim and the keen observation of an officer" that Sangha was brought to justice. The detective added that the victim's support ensured Sangha "will now have plenty of time to think about his actions while in prison and feel the consequences for years to come."
DC Ridpath-Mitchell issued a firm reminder to the public: "If you experience or witness a sexual offence on the railway network or at a station, I urge you to report it to us on 61016. We will always take you seriously."
