RAMZI HAMROUNI PONTYPRIDD TRAIN SEX OFFENDER BANNED FOR 10 YEARS

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Pontypridd and the wider regions of Wales and England, Ramzi Hamrouni, a 39-year-old man, has been handed a significant ban from public transportation following his conviction for sexual assault on two separate occasions on trains. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of behavior that left victims traumatized and the public demanding stricter measures to combat such offenses.

Hamrouni’s actions, which took place on trains traveling between Cardiff and Pontypridd, were described by the presiding judge as “every lone female public transport passenger’s nightmare.” The judge emphasized the seriousness of the issue, stating, “It is clearly a massive problem nationwide,” highlighting the urgent need for preventative measures against sexual misconduct on public transit.

The first incident involved a 20-year-old woman traveling home with her family from Cardiff to Pontypridd after a day out in Barry on August 16 of the previous year. According to the prosecution, Hamrouni boarded the train at Cardiff Central and immediately sat next to the woman’s mother, making inappropriate comments about her appearance by telling her she was beautiful. The situation escalated when Hamrouni directed his attention toward the young woman, who noticed his leering and attempted to shield herself by putting on her sunglasses, hoping to deter his gaze.

Prosecutor Jeffrey Jones detailed how Hamrouni leaned toward the victim, pressing his body against hers, and rubbed his arm against her in a manner that made her visibly uncomfortable. The court heard that she “froze” in fear and embarrassment, feeling “paralysed” by the assault. Hamrouni’s brazen behavior continued as he gestured towards her groin area and engaged in inappropriate self-touching, only stopping when the train stopped at stations. The victim was effectively trapped against the carriage window by his body, with her distress evident.

Hamrouni disembarked quickly at Pontypridd, leaving the young woman upset and shaken. The court was told that his conduct was bold and unashamed, even as he continued to violate her personal space despite her being with her family.

The second incident occurred on September 2, involving a 17-year-old girl traveling home with a friend after a day out in Barry. She was seated opposite Hamrouni on a train from Cardiff to Pontypridd. CCTV footage showed Hamrouni initially sitting next to another woman who was visibly upset by his behavior, prompting her to move to another carriage. Subsequently, Hamrouni moved to sit beside a different woman, who had earlier expressed her discomfort about his presence and his behavior in a pub that evening.

During this second encounter, Hamrouni attempted to engage the teenage victim and her friend in conversation, asking if the train was heading to Pontypridd in broken English. The court heard that he then moved closer, trapping her against the side of the train, and proceeded to touch her knee and attempt to unzip her jeans. Prosecutor Jeffrey Jones explained that Hamrouni then put his finger inside her trousers and pulled up her top, causing the girl to “freeze” in shock and fear.

Concerned passengers, witnessing his inappropriate conduct, filmed him on their mobile phones and handed the footage to police. The victim managed to alert the train guard as Hamrouni got up to leave, but he had already disembarked. He was seen looking back from the platform before running away from the scene. The court was told that the girl was left tearful and distressed by the ordeal.

Following the incidents, Hamrouni, a Tunisian national who moved to Wales approximately two years ago after marrying a British woman, surrendered himself to police following an appeal on WalesOnline. He was arrested and chose to answer “No comment” to all questions during police questioning. The court heard that Hamrouni had no prior convictions either in the UK or Tunisia, and his defense argued that he had a difficult childhood and limited education.

Judge Stephen Hopkins QC sentenced Hamrouni to 27 months in prison and issued a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, explicitly banning him from sitting next to any female passenger on trains in England or Wales. The judge also noted that Hamrouni was aware of the potential consequences, including possible deportation, but showed no remorse for his actions. The court commended the courage and dignity of the victims who testified, emphasizing the importance of justice in such cases.