Hotel Guest Jailed for Sexual Assault on Blackpool Train
Phillip Clive Butterworth, 70, of New Oceans Hotel in Blackpool, has been locked up for 27 months after pleading guilty to sexual assault. The sentence was handed down at Preston Crown Court on Monday, 7 December.
Restraining Order and Sex Offenders Register
Butterworth was slapped with a restraining order banning him from contacting the victim. He is also to remain on the sex offenders register for the next 10 years.
Disturbing Incident on Blackpool North Station Train
The court heard that on 9 January this year, Butterworth approached his victim while she waited for her train at Blackpool North station. He asked if she was travelling alone. Once on the train, he sat next to her and subjected her to lewd sexual advances during the entire 25-minute journey. Butterworth also touched her inappropriately, trapping her in her seat.
The terrified victim sent desperate text messages to her mum asking for help and advice.
Police Condemn Assault
DC Chris Biggs said: “This was a vile and disgusting assault on a vulnerable young woman who was left terrified by Butterworth’s disgusting and inappropriate behaviour. The sentence handed down to him reflects the severity of his actions and will give the victim some comfort as she attempts to recover from this incident, which has left her deeply traumatised.
Thankfully incidents like this are rare, but anyone travelling on the network can text us discreetly on 61016 if they are concerned for their safety or need to report an incident.”
