Coventry Train Sexual Assault: Judge Cites Mental Health in Decision to Spare Jail

A Birmingham man who sexually assaulted a woman while travelling on a train in Coventry has avoided an immediate prison sentence, after a court heard his offending was driven by serious mental health issues. Temisan Oritsejafor admitted touching the woman’s thigh and telling her he loved her during the incident.

The offence took place on January 25, 2024, on a train departing from Coventry. The victim was seated when Oritsejafor wrapped his legs around her knees and touched her upper thigh. She repeatedly asked him to stop, but the situation escalated, leaving her frightened and distressed.

Judge Richard Bond told Oritsejafor:

“You made her feel extremely uncomfortable showing her a crack pipe and telling her you loved her. You put your legs around her knees and touched her upper thigh. She asked you not to touch her, and you threatened violence. She was left feeling scared and helpless.”

Following the incident on the train, Oritsejafor went on to racially abuse both a train driver and a security guard. The court heard that these actions formed part of what was described as a wider and increasingly erratic series of offences.

In a separate episode in Coventry, the 48-year-old caused significant disruption at the Caludon Centre on Clifford Bridge Road. Birmingham Crown Court was told he threatened a mental health nurse who tried to calm him, kicked display units, and hurled chairs during an outburst. He later jumped from a ledge and ran towards the nurse, prompting her to lock herself behind a door.

Despite being arrested and released on bail, Oritsejafor committed further offences on February 6 at Coventry Central Police Station. During that incident, he became verbally abusive before pulling down his trousers and exposing himself.

Oritsejafor, of Birmingham, pleaded guilty to sexual assault, two counts of racially aggravated harassment, two offences of indecent exposure, assaulting an emergency worker and criminal damage. He was handed a 20-month suspended sentence at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday, January 26, and given more than four months to demonstrate he could comply with court orders.

Judge Bond said the defendant’s “bizarre behaviour” was directly connected to his mental health difficulties. The court heard that in August 2025 his sentencing had been delayed to allow him the opportunity to show he could follow the rules of his supported accommodation.

Image: West Midlands Police