WILLIAM ROBERTS AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TRAIN IN LONDON
In a disturbing incident that has shocked the community and highlighted ongoing concerns about safety on public transportation, William Roberts of London was convicted and subsequently sentenced at Reading Crown Court for the sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl on a train traveling through Oxford towards Princes Risborough.The assault took place on the evening of December 9, 2020, during a routine train journey.
The teenage girl, who was only 16 years old at the time, was traveling alone when Roberts, a 28-year-old man from London Road, Thornton Heath, boarded the same carriage.
According to reports, Roberts approached her shortly after she sat down and began to repeatedly ask for her phone number, despite her clear disinterest.
The victim explicitly refused Roberts’ advances, informing him that she was just 16 and not interested in engaging with him further.
Despite her rejection, Roberts’s behavior quickly escalated into a sexual assault.
He stood up from his seat and walked along the carriage, but soon returned to her side.
There, he attempted to physically block her from leaving her seat by spreading his arms out as if to prevent her from fleeing.
Roberts then made another attempt to sexually assault the girl.
Reeling from his aggressive approach, the victim managed to push him away and make her escape from the carriage, finding safety and seeking help afterward.
Roberts’s arrest was carried out on January 6, 2020, at his residence.
During police questioning, he initially claimed that his actions were merely friendly conversation, denying any intent of harm.
Despite his account, evidence and witness statements confirmed his involvement in the assault.
Detective Constable James Egley of the British Transport Police commented on the case, emphasizing the seriousness of Roberts’s actions.
“It’s clear from Roberts’ persistent actions that he is a danger to women and girls, and I’m pleased to see him off the network and behind bars,” Egley stated.
The young victim showed remarkable bravery in coming forward to report the incident and provide her account, which was vital in securing Roberts's conviction.
The police stressed their commitment to ensuring safety on the railway network, underscoring that no passenger should feel threatened while traveling.
As a consequence of his conviction, William Roberts has been ordered to sign the sex offenders register for a period of ten years.
The authorities also reiterated their stance on taking strong action against sexual offenders and encouraged the public to report any instances of sexual harassment or assault on public transport.
They provided contact details, urging anyone experiencing or witnessing such crimes to reach out via text to 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40.
The police assured the public that reports will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.
