ANTHONY WEST FROM EXETER INVOLVED IN SHOCKING INCIDENT ON EXMOUTH TO EXETER TRAIN
In May 2022, a disturbing incident unfolded aboard a train traveling from Exmouth to Exeter, involving Anthony West, a resident of Exeter.The incident, which garnered significant attention, involved West, who was intoxicated at the time, engaging in inappropriate behavior towards a 14-year-old boy during a sunny summer day in July 2020.
According to reports, West created a frightening environment for a group of teenagers, including the young victim, by claiming to be related to the infamous serial killer Fred West.
This unsettling statement was part of his attempt to establish a false sense of familiarity and authority among the teenagers.
As the train journey progressed, West's behavior escalated from mere banter to actions that caused genuine distress.
At one point, West cornered the 14-year-old boy and began to touch his thigh, which was exposed because he was wearing shorts.
The boy, overwhelmed with fear, managed to slide under a table in an effort to escape the uncomfortable and threatening situation.
CCTV footage from the train captured the moment, showing the boy laughing nervously as he tried to distance himself from West, who was seen mingling with other teenagers on the same journey, seemingly unaware of the gravity of his actions.
Authorities released still images from the CCTV footage, which eventually led to West's self-reporting.
His family recognized the images and prompted him to turn himself in to the police.
West, aged 53 and residing on Okehampton Street in Exeter, was subsequently arrested and brought to trial at Exeter Crown Court.
During the proceedings held in March, West was found guilty of sexually assaulting the young boy.
However, he was acquitted of charges related to other alleged assaults involving a 14-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy.
The court heard that West, who was also a youth rugby coach, had a history of charitable work and was generally regarded as a decent man by those who knew him.
Judge Neil Davey, QC, sentenced West to 150 hours of unpaid community service, ordered him to pay £500 in compensation to the victim, and imposed £500 in court costs.
Additionally, West was mandated to register as a sex offender for five years and was barred from working with children, a restriction that is likely to end his career as a rugby coach.
The judge addressed West directly, stating, “Despite your protestations, I am sure that you were drunk; and considerably so.
You engaged in banter and singing with the teenagers but because you were drunk, you became overfamiliar with them.
You were touching them and hugging them in ways they did not want and it came to a time when you sat next to the boy and held him with your left arm while using the fingers of your right hand to fondle his thigh.” The victim's statement revealed the profound impact of West’s actions, with the boy describing how he was so frightened that he crawled under the table to escape.
The court acknowledged that alcohol played a significant role in West’s behavior, though it did not absolve him of responsibility.
During the trial, jurors viewed CCTV footage showing West laughing loudly as he hugged different teenagers on the train.
Mobile phone footage also surfaced, including a brief clip taken from beneath the table, which clearly showed West touching the boy’s bare thigh.
West attempted to justify his actions by claiming he was engaging in “high spirited banter” and denied any sexual intent, asserting that his comments about Fred West were meant to be humorous and not threatening.
He insisted that his behavior was a result of alcohol consumption and not predatory in nature.
This case highlights the serious consequences of inappropriate conduct, especially involving minors, and underscores the importance of accountability, even when alcohol is involved.
The incident has left a lasting impact on the community and serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and proper conduct in public spaces.
