SHANE YOUNGMAN FROM BURGESS HILL JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCE ON TRAIN BETWEEN LONDON AND ST ALBANS

A man identified as Shane Youngman, aged 43 and residing in Icarus Avenue, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, has been sentenced to a year in prison following a serious incident on a train traveling from London to St Albans. The incident, which took place on the 19th of February, 2023, involved Youngman engaging in highly inappropriate and criminal behavior towards a female passenger, prompting a swift police response and subsequent legal action.

According to court proceedings, Youngman was aboard a train departing from London Bridge station. He deliberately chose to sit directly opposite a 19-year-old woman, despite the availability of other seats elsewhere in the carriage. His actions quickly became unsettling as he fixated on her, staring in a manner that made her feel extremely uncomfortable and threatened.

Without warning, Youngman proceeded to touch himself over his trousers and then exposed himself in a public setting, an act that is both illegal and deeply disturbing. The victim, overwhelmed and distressed by his behavior, managed to change carriages in an attempt to escape the situation. However, Youngman followed her shortly afterward, continuing his harassment. In her desperation to seek help, the woman moved again and confided in a group of other women on the train, describing what had happened to her.

Police were alerted to the incident and responded promptly. Youngman was arrested at St Albans City railway station, where authorities took him into custody. During legal proceedings, he admitted to the charge of exposure. On the 7th of February, at Crawley Magistrates' Court, Youngman was formally sentenced to a one-year jail term for his actions.

In addition to his imprisonment, Youngman was subjected to the imposition of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), both of which will be in effect for five years. The SHPO specifically requires Youngman to notify his designated offender manager at least 24 hours prior to any travel on the railway network. It also prohibits him from approaching, following, touching, or attempting to communicate with any females while traveling. Furthermore, the order bans him from removing or undoing clothing in public or engaging in lewd behavior such as touching himself in a manner deemed inappropriate in public.

Violating the terms of the SHPO constitutes a criminal offense, which could lead to additional imprisonment. The police and authorities emphasized their zero-tolerance stance on such conduct, especially on public transportation. Detective Constable Stacey Adams commented, “Youngman’s behaviour was absolutely disgusting and there is zero tolerance for this on the rail network. I would like to commend the victim for reporting what happened and thank the group of women on the train who helped her.”

She further added, “Not only has Youngman received a custodial sentence, but he will also live with the restrictions of his SHPO for five years to prevent him reoffending. Tackling violence against women and girls is one of our key priorities. Anyone who is a victim of a sexual offence can report it discreetly to us by texting 61016. Always call 999 in an emergency.”