Locations
Bonehurst Road, Horley, RH6
Description
A “sexual predator” has been jailed after targeting a young woman on-board a train between Horley and Redhill, following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.
Hawre Mohamed, 27, and of Bonehurst Road, Horley, was found guilty of one count of Sexual Assault last month and appeared at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Monday 8 December where he was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment. He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.
The court heard how at around 8.30pm on Monday 22 September, Mohamed was at Horley railway station when he approached a young woman asking how to get through the ticket barrier.
A short while later he boarded the same train as the woman and followed her through the carriage. Despite there being other empty seats, he opted to sit with the woman against her wishes.
He then engaged the woman in unwanted conversation before touching her inappropriately and attempting to kiss her, ignoring repeated requests to leave her alone.
He also suggested she should go back with him and asked her how old she was, stating he "doesn't go for below 18”. The young woman moved away from him and disembarked at Redhill station where she reported Mohamed’s actions to station staff and BTP.
Officers were on patrol in East Croydon just days later when they spotted Mohamed, who was wearing the same jacket as the day he sexually assaulted the 20-year-old woman. He was swiftly arrested and taken into custody.
BTP Detective Constable Geraldine Devaney said:
"Mohamed is a sexual predator who preyed on a woman travelling alone and wouldn’t take no for an answer. His behaviour that day was simply vile.
"Thanks to the courage and support of the victim, we have been able to put him before the courts and behind bars.
“If you experience or witness a sexual offence on-board a train or at a station, I urge you to report it to us by texting 61016. We take all reports seriously and can respond immediately to trace sexual offenders like Mohamed and bring them to justice."