MOHAMMED MARINOV FROM ENFIELD SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON LONDON BUSES

In a series of disturbing incidents across north London, a man identified as Mohammed Marinov, aged 27 and residing in Enfield, has been sentenced to two years in prison following his conviction for multiple sexual assaults and acts of outraging public decency. The crimes took place on various bus routes, including the 279, 34, and 102, during busy hours, targeting young girls and women, some of whom were dressed in school uniforms at the time.

The first assault occurred on Thursday, 25 January, at approximately 6:30 pm. An 18-year-old woman was traveling on a route 279 bus from Ponders End towards Waltham Cross. As she stood near the luggage rack, Marinov approached her and, during the journey, lifted her jacket and sexually assaulted her. The victim, overwhelmed with shock and fear, struggled to find a way to alert anyone. She finally managed to escape when a seat became available, but Marinov continued his assault by asking her to allow an elderly woman to sit in her seat. She moved to stand near the luggage rack again, where he assaulted her once more. Upon reaching her destination, she hurriedly exited the bus and sought refuge behind a bus shelter.

Just over a week later, Marinov targeted a 14-year-old girl who boarded the same route 279 bus at Ingersoll Road at around 7:30 am to go to school in Enfield. As she entered the bus, Marinov began to stare at her and stood close, making her feel uncomfortable. He then sexually assaulted her before disembarking at the Enfield Highway bus stop.

On Wednesday, 21 February, at approximately 7:45 am, a 15-year-old girl boarded a route 279 bus at Nightingale Road, N9, accompanied by her brother and friend. Due to the crowded bus, she stood in the disabled bay area. Marinov also positioned himself there and initially brushed his hand against her, which she initially thought was accidental. However, a few minutes later, he sexually assaulted her with enough force to cause her to jump forward. The victim was able to move away when other passengers disembarked at the next stop.

Further incidents occurred on Monday, 12 March, around 8 am, when a 16-year-old girl boarded a busy route 34 bus at the Great Cambridge Road Roundabout. While standing in the middle section of the lower deck, she felt repeated touches on her bottom. As she tried to move away, Marinov sexually assaulted her, prompting her to exit the bus at her stop.

On March 15, Marinov exposed himself to a 17-year-old girl on a route 102 bus traveling along Fortismore Avenue towards Bounds Green. She was seated on the upper deck at approximately 8:50 am when she noticed Marinov boarding and sitting nearby. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him exposing himself.

Another incident took place on Wednesday, 2 May, at around 8:10 am, when a 16-year-old girl and her friend boarded a route 34 bus near the Millfield Theatre, N18. The bus was crowded, and Marinov stood directly behind her, pressing against her. During this encounter, he sexually assaulted her by pressing his body against her.

Some of the victims were dressed in school uniforms at the time of the assaults, and all reported the incidents shortly after they occurred. Marinov was finally apprehended on June 8 after a Haringey police officer recognized him from bus CCTV footage. Following his arrest, he was charged with the series of offenses on the same day and remanded into custody.

On September 28, Marinov was sentenced to two years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to adhere to Sexual Offender Requirements for ten years and was served with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. The court's decision underscores the seriousness of his crimes and the impact on the victims, who ranged in age from 14 to 17, and highlights the ongoing efforts to combat sexual offenses on public transportation in London.