Stephen Benyon 49

Description

A man has been convicted following a series of indecent exposure incidents in Theale following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Stephen Benyon, 49, of Sandy Lane, Caldicot, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Friday 24 October, where he pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent exposure and one public order offence.

He is due to be sentenced at the same court on Wednesday 17 December.

At around 10.10pm on 16 April 2024 a 40-year-old woman was crossing an overbridge near Theale railway station when she was confronted by a man who was exposing himself and masturbating while looking at her.

Officers received a further report on Thursday 19 September 2024 when a man exposed himself in front of a woman at Theale station and started masturbating.

Detectives conducted a thorough investigation, carrying out plain clothes patrols, reviewing CCTV, and undertaking witness enquiries. Following the incident in September they published a CCTV appeal in the media. The appeal resulted in several names coming forward to police which were eliminated from the investigation. The case was closed pending any further investigative opportunities.

At around 9.15pm on Thursday 28 August 2025 a 16-year-old girl was at Theale railway station when she was approached by a man who exposed himself and started masturbating.

Around 10.10pm on Tuesday 30 September 2025, the same victim from the September 2024 incident reported to police that she had encountered the man again, who had made comments to her that caused her distress.

Detectives began a new investigation, carrying out witness and CCTV enquiries, and nightly plain clothes operations. Officers also made enquiries at local pubs in the area, showing the CCTV image of the suspect to staff and punters to see if anyone recognised him.

Benyon was arrested on Wednesday 22 October after staff at a pub in Church Street recognised him and called police. Officers attended the pub in an unmarked vehicle and apprehended Benyon as he stood drinking in the beer garden.

Detective Sergeant Antonio Civitillo said:

"The victims were going about their business as usual when Benyon targeted them for his own perverted sexual gratification - causing them considerable shock and distress.

“We're very grateful that they came forward to report these incidents and have been incredibly supportive of our enquiries to apprehend him. I'd also like to thank the pub staff who alerted us so quickly when they spotted him. Sexual offences on the railway network will never be tolerated and we will always do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.”

"Our enquiries are ongoing. We believe it is possible there could be more victims who Benyon may have exposed himself to and urge anyone who may have been a victim to text BTP on 61016, using the reference Op Brennabor.”