Sex Beast Jailed for Attacking Girl on Train
William Roberts, 28, from Thornton Heath’s London Road, has been locked up for 24 months after sexually assaulting a teenage girl on a train. He was also slapped with a 10-year stint on the sex offender register by Reading Crown Court on June 20.
The Shocking Attack on a Train
On the evening of December 9, 2020, a 16-year-old girl travelling from Oxford to Princes Risborough stepped in to help a sick passenger. Once that passenger left at Bicester, Roberts struck. Sitting in the same carriage, he badgered her for her phone number, ignoring her protests that she wasn’t interested and was underage.
Roberts then sat beside her and sexually assaulted her despite her clear discomfort and rejection. He got up, paced the carriage, then blocked her escape and tried to attack again. The frightened victim managed to push him away and flee.
Perp Caught and Locked Up
Roberts was arrested at home on January 6, 2020. When questioned, he bizarrely claimed he was just having a “nice” chat. Not buying it, police charged him with sexual assault and failing to surrender to bail.
“Roberts’ relentless behaviour shows he’s a threat to women. I’m glad he’s off the network and behind bars,” said Detective Constable James Egley of British Transport Police.
“This was a truly distressing incident, but the victim’s bravery in coming forward is incredible. No one should feel unsafe on the railway. We are committed to prosecuting sexual offenders.”
Police Urge Public to Speak Up
If you witness or experience sexual harassment or assault on trains or stations, police urge you to speak out. Contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40. Your concerns will be taken seriously.
