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Following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation, a “twisted” sexual offender who targeted three lone victims in three days was sentenced to 16 months in prison.
The incidents occurred on trains in Essex in March.
Izat Ullah, 25, of Queens Road, Hull, appeared in court on July 1 and pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault, one count of exposure, and failing to comply with sexual offence register requirements.
On July 20, the same court’s judge sentenced him to 16 months in prison. He was also sentenced to ten years on the Sex Offenders Register.
The first victim was travelling on a London to Southend service in the early hours of Tuesday 15 March when Ullah approached and sat opposite her.
He began touching himself over his trousers during the journey, and when the victim got up to leave, he blocked her path, grabbed her, and threw her back into the seat.
He then placed his hand on the victim’s upper torso and attempted to kiss her before she managed to escape and collide with another carriage.
Officers arrived at Southend Victoria station, arrested Ullah, and took him into custody for questioning. Ullah refused to speak during the interview but laughed the entire time.
He was released on conditional police bail shortly after 08.00 on Wednesday, March 16th, stating that he could not use the railway network in England or Wales.
Ullah was on a train in Essex later that day, around 20.30, when he approached the second victim, an 18-year-old woman on her way home.
He exposed himself while sitting opposite her before putting his hand in his trousers and masturbating.
He then leaned in and attempted to touch the victim, who said, “don’t touch me,” to which Ullah responded, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”
The victim then moved away from him, and he inappropriately touched her.
Only hours later, in the early hours of Thursday, March 17, Ullah approached the third victim on a train bound for Southend.
He kept staring at her the entire journey, and when she alighted at Southend East station, he followed her until she got into a taxi outside the station.
The next morning, he was arrested outside a children’s nursery for failing to comply with the Sex Offenders Register.
“Ullah is a twisted offender who prowled the railway targeting lone victims for his own sexual gratification,” said Detective Constable Lucy King.
He clearly poses a threat to women’s safety and the right to travel freely. “I’m glad we were able to quickly apprehend Ullah and bring him before the courts.” I’d like to express my gratitude to the three victims who bravely reported his actions and helped us with our investigation. This heinous behaviour on the railway should not be tolerated.” If you are a victim or witness to a sexual offence, please contact us by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40. No report is too small or too insignificant for us to take seriously.”