Police appeal after man indecently exposed himself on Guildford train (27/11/11)

[whole diary]

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the British Transport Police press release:

Can you name this man? CCTV released after man indecently exposed himself in front of 14-year-old girl ^ Woking/Guildford

British Transport Police (BTP^▸ (British Transport Police)) detectives are appealing for information after a man indecently exposed himself in front of a 14-year-old girl on a train between Woking and Guildford.

Investigators have released a CCTV image of a man they want to identify and speak to in connection with the incident, which took place around 9.50am on Sunday, 27 November.

The victim, a 14-year-old girl, had boarded a train at Woking, intending to travel to Guildford.

During the journey the girl became aware that a man, sat a couple of seats in front, was staring at her. When she turned to look at him she noticed that he had exposed himself and was touching himself indecently.

Distressed by the man^s actions, the victim rushed further down the train, away from the man and into the company of other passengers. Both she and the man left the train at Guildford and she subsequently reported the incident to police.

BTP Detective Constable Tony Bronger, of Guildford CID, said: ^This man^s outrageous and unacceptable actions left a young girl intimidated and very distressed and we will do everything we can to catch him.

^Offences like this are rare on the rail network but we treat them very seriously. The CCTV image is very clear and I'm certain someone will recognise this man. If you do and can tell us who he is, we want to hear from you.^

Anyone with information should contact BTP on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference B4/LSA of 11/01/12. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

[Chris from Nailsea]

An update, from British Transport Police:

A British Transport Police (BTP^▸ (British Transport Police)) spokesman said:

"Following a public appeal about an indecent exposure on a train between Woking and Guildford, officers received a number of calls from members of the public providing information.

^Subsequently, a 23-year-old man volunteered to attend a police station in Woking on Tuesday, 31 January.

^The man, from Woking, was interviewed under caution by detectives and was reported for sexual activity and exposure.

^Officers will now be working with the Crown Prosecution Service to decide the course of action.^

[Chris from Nailsea]

Another update, from the latest British Transport Police press release:

Man who indecently exposed himself in front of 14-year-old girl is sentenced ^ Woking/Guildford

A man who indecently exposed himself in front of a 14-year-old girl on a train between Woking and Guildford has been handed a Community Order following a British Transport Police (BTP^▸ (British Transport Police)) investigation

Thomas Donald (23), of Vale Farm Road, Woking, was identified following a local media appeal and must also undertake 60 hours^ unpaid work and pay ^85 costs.

Donald was sentenced at South West Surrey Magistrates^ Court on Thursday, 29 March after pleading guilty to exposure and will be placed on the sex offenders register for five years.

The court heard that the 14-year-old victim boarded a train at Woking on Sunday, 27 November 2011, intending to travel to Guildford.

During the journey, around 9.50am, the girl became aware that Donald, sat a couple of seats in front, was staring at her. When she turned to look at him she noticed that he had exposed himself and was touching himself indecently.

Distressed by his actions, the victim rushed further down the train, away from Donald and into the company of other passengers. Both she and Donald left the train at Guildford and she subsequently reported the incident to police.

After investigators issued a public appeal for information and CCTV^▸ (Closed Circuit Tele Vision) images via the local media, numerous members of the public called in with information and Donald volunteered to come forward for interview.

He was questioned by detectives on Tuesday, 31 January before being summonsed to attend court at a later date.

Detective Constable Tony Bronger, of Guildford CID, said: ^Thomas Donald^s unacceptable actions left a young girl intimidated and very distressed.

^d like to pay tribute to the victim for coming forward, despite what must have been a frightening ordeal, and pass my thanks to the members of the public who called in with key information, allowing us to quickly identify Thomas Donald as the culprit.^