HAILU GETEMARIAM AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN LONDON
A man identified as Hailu Getemariam, aged 24 and without a fixed address, has been sentenced to 14 months in prison after being convicted of multiple sexual offenses committed on public transport across London.The incidents, which involved repeated groping and inappropriate touching of young women on trains and the London Underground, have shocked the community and highlighted ongoing concerns about safety on the city's transit network.
Getemariam's predatory behavior was carried out over several weeks, with authorities revealing that he stalked carriages across the Transport for London (TfL) system, specifically targeting lone women.
His actions included sitting next to women in nearly empty train carriages and then engaging in unwanted physical contact, such as stroking a woman's leg.
On one occasion, he sat directly behind a woman on the London Underground and groped her, actions that left her visibly distressed.
During the sentencing hearing held on Wednesday, November 15, Judge Freya Newbery addressed Getemariam directly, condemning his conduct.
She stated, “Mr Getemariam, you are a pervert.
You are seeking out young women on public transport to touch them sexually,” emphasizing the severity of his actions.
The first recorded incident occurred on March 25 at Denmark Hill station.
Court reports detailed how Getemariam boarded a train and sat next to a woman despite the carriage being mostly empty.
He then proceeded to rub his fingers up and down her leg and thigh, making her feel trapped as he rested his leg on the seat in front of her.
The terrified woman eventually disembarked at Beckenham Hill station, where she confronted him.
She accused him of falsely claiming he had accidentally touched her while reaching for his mobile phone, which the court found to be untrue.
Further incidents followed.
On April 18, Getemariam was observed at a Northern Line station where he followed a young woman onto the Tube.
Despite the crowded environment, he stood directly behind her, pressing his body into hers.
He then touched her bottom with his hand and placed his hand between her thighs, remaining in contact for approximately five minutes.
The woman, frightened, moved to the other side of the carriage when the train stopped and new passengers entered.
However, Getemariam continued to follow her, standing opposite and staring at her.
She eventually rang the police after disembarking.
A few weeks later, on May 10, Getemariam boarded another train and stood close to yet another woman.
During this encounter, he tapped her genital area multiple times over her clothes.
The woman quickly moved away upon realizing what was happening.
She also observed him touching another woman on her bottom, which prompted her to record him on her phone.
Despite denying all charges, a jury found Getemariam guilty of three counts of sexual assault.
He has been in custody since his arrest in May.
During the proceedings, his defense lawyer, Matthew Ness, argued that this was his first time in prison and that he had experienced anxiety and stress during his detention.
The court also heard that Getemariam was subjected to multiple assaults while incarcerated.
The 14-month sentence handed down by Judge Newbery means that Getemariam will be released within a month, having served half of his term.
Upon release, he will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).
This order stipulates that if he travels on the TfL network, he must use an Oyster card registered in his own name for fare payment.
Additionally, the SHPO explicitly prohibits him from sitting immediately next to, touching, or attempting to communicate with any unknown female while on public transport, aiming to prevent further incidents and protect potential victims.
