Drunk Passenger Jailed for Sexual Assault on Train From Newcastle

A man has been jailed after sexually assaulting a woman on a train, following an investigation by British Transport Police.

Stephen Denison, 53, of Baxter Avenue, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to sexual assault and was sentenced to four months in prison at North Shields Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 14 May.

He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for seven years.

The court heard that Denison was visibly intoxicated when he boarded a train at Newcastle station on 2 February this year and sat opposite a 56-year-old woman.

He immediately tried to speak to her, but his comments became increasingly lewd and she was subjected to a string of inappropriate questions.

Denison then asked the woman to move her luggage so he could sit beside her. She refused and made it clear she did not want to engage with him, but he continued his behaviour and went on to sexually assault her.

He left the train at Durham station.

An off-duty Metropolitan Police Service officer who was sitting nearby noticed the victim was distressed and went over to comfort her.

The officer told the victim that she had reported the incident to British Transport Police, prompting detectives to begin enquiries to identify and locate Denison.

He was arrested two days later at his home address and questioned in custody. He was later released on conditional bail while officers continued gathering evidence.

After his release, Denison was arrested again at Newcastle station for breaching bail conditions which banned him from entering the railway.

The sexual assault charge against Denison was authorised on Monday 2 March.

BTP Detective Constable Adil Ahmed said:

“Denison’s crude comments and subsequent assault have had a lasting impact on the victim. Being drunk is absolutely no excuse for sexual assault – it is hoped that now behind bars, Denison takes the opportunity to consider the effects of his lecherous behaviour. If you've been the victim of a sexual assault or witness one taking place, please report it to us by texting 61016 so that we can take action and secure justice as we did in this case. We take every report seriously, and will stop at nothing to put sexual offenders behind bars.”

Image: British Transport Police