MAXIM ROWAN-MOY AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TRAIN IN LONDON
A man from Plumstead, London, has been sentenced to prison after committing a deeply disturbing sexual assault on a teenage girl aboard a train headed towards Rochester.The incident, which took place in broad daylight and on public transport, has been described by police as a heinous and repulsive act carried out by a predator seeking to commit sexual offenses for his own gratification.
The ordeal began on the evening of March 26 at Dover Priory station, shortly before 8:00 pm.
A 15-year-old girl was patiently waiting for her train when she was approached by Maxim Rowan-Moy, aged 32, who resides on Eglinton Hill in Plumstead.
The man initiated conversation by inquiring about her destination.
After engaging with her briefly, they both boarded the same train, and he sat beside her.
While on the train, Rowan-Moy attempted to manipulate the situation by offering her a bottle of vodka, which he encouraged her to drink.
As the journey continued, he moved closer to her and began to sexually assault her in a manner that was both violent and persistent.
The teenage girl, distressed and attempting to shield herself, got up from her seat in an effort to distance herself from her attacker.
Despite her efforts to escape, Rowan-Moy pursued her down the carriage and seated himself beside her once more.
His bullying and inappropriate conduct escalated as he continued to forcibly and aggressively touch her, trying to pull her closer and refusing to desist even as her discomfort became evident.
The situation drew concern among other passengers, who noticed her distress.
During this time, Rowan-Moy rose to search for his belongings and leave the carriage.
A train conductor or guard entered the compartment and remained with the victim until the train reached Rochester station.
At Rochester, staff members contacted the police to report the incident.
Authorities arrived and apprehended Rowan-Moy at the station.
During the arrest, he falsely claimed to recognize the victim, attempting to forge some connection or familiarity in an apparent effort to deceive the officers.
The offender appeared before the Inner London Crown Court on November 28, where he admitted guilt to four counts of sexual assault, one count of assault, and a public order offence for threatening behavior.
On December 13, Rowan-Moy was sentenced to a prison term of thirty months.
Additionally, he was subjected to a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and mandated to register as a sex offender for a decade.
Detective Constable Terry Botten, the officer overseeing the case, expressed his disgust at the attack.
He emphasized the severity of the crime, describing it as a “truly sickening attack against a lone teenage girl by a disgusting predator who sought to violate her for his own sexual gain.” He commended the bravery the victim showed in supporting the investigation and contrasted that with the offender’s appalling conduct.
Finally, Detective Botten reiterated the police force’s commitment to safeguarding women and girls from sexual offenders on the railway network and urged anyone witnessing or experiencing such incidents to report them immediately.
He provided contact details, including the hotline 61016 and the emergency number 0800 40 50 40, reminding the public that in emergencies, dialing 999 is crucial.
