A man who targeted a young woman on a train between Horley and Redhill has been jailed following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.
Hawre Mohamed, 27, of Bonehurst Road in Horley, was sentenced to eight months in prison after being found guilty of one count of sexual assault last month. He appeared at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 8 December, and was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.
The court heard the incident took place at around 8.30pm on Monday, 22 September. Mohamed approached a young woman at Horley railway station, asking how to get through the ticket barriers. Shortly afterwards, he boarded the same train and followed her through the carriage. Despite empty seats being available, he chose to sit next to her against her wishes.
Mohamed then engaged the woman in unwanted conversation before touching her inappropriately and attempting to kiss her, repeatedly ignoring her demands that he leave her alone. He also suggested she should “go back with him” and questioned her age, stating that he “doesn’t go for below 18”.
The victim managed to move away and left the train at Redhill station, immediately reporting the incident to station staff and BTP officers.
Just days later, officers on patrol in East Croydon spotted Mohamed wearing the same jacket from the day of the assault. 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 by texting 61016. We take all reports seriously and can act immediately to trace offenders like Mohamed and bring them to justice.”
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