Pervert on the Run! Man Who Groped Girl on Train Avoids Jail
Ilie Preda, 56, has dodged prison after sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl on a train between Wimbledon and Waterloo. The shocking attack took place at around 4pm on April 24, 2021, sparking outrage and concern across London.
Disturbing Train Incident
Preda caused chaos onboard by dancing around and calling himself “Captain Morgan.” He then targeted three girls aged 16 to 18, attempting to kiss one and boldly proclaiming his love. When the girls told him to back off and tried to leave at Wimbledon, Preda’s behaviour turned worse.
He moved in on the 16-year-old, trying to hug her and lift her skirt. He also attempted indecent contact with the 18-year-old girl before the victims reported the ordeal to British Transport Police.
Previous Run-Ins and Court Fallout
Police arrested Preda at Waterloo station. This wasn’t his first brush with trouble—just weeks earlier, he alarmed locals in Kingsbury by parading around with a fake gun. Preda called that stunt a “poor joke” and blamed cultural differences, but the court wasn’t having it.
Judge Usha Karu at Southwark Crown Court handed Preda a six-month prison sentence, suspended for a year. He must also register as a sex offender for seven years, following convictions for sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, possessing an imitation firearm, failing to surrender to custody, and a public order offence.
A Warning to the Public
Preda moved to the UK from Romania in 2018. His case sends a clear message: inappropriate and dangerous behaviour like this will be met with serious consequences — even if jail time is avoided.
