Man jailed after sexually assaulting woman waiting for train at Newbury station
The 56-year-old, from Bicester, approached his victim on the platform before attacking her while her back was turned
A man who sexually assaulted a young woman as she waited for a train home from work at Newbury station has been jailed.
Neil Shorter, 56, from Bicester, was sentenced to two years and three months at Oxford Crown Court on Tuesday 18th August.
He was jailed for the sexual assault and a separate offence of stalking, following investigations by British Transport Police and Thames Valley Police.
Shorter was also handed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ordered to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.
What happened at the station
The court heard that on Tuesday 13th August 2024, Shorter approached the young woman as she waited for a train at Newbury station.
After engaging her in a short conversation, in which he asked for directions, he walked away before returning and sexually assaulting her while her back was turned.
Shaken and upset, she sought help from a member of station staff and pointed out Shorter as the man who assaulted her.
The investigation
Detectives identified Shorter, who at the time was remanded in prison ahead of a court hearing for the stalking offence.
He was arrested in prison on 7th November 2024, before being charged with sexual assault in connection with the attack at Newbury station.
BTP Detective Constable Kirsty Birley said: "This was a shocking attack in broad daylight at a busy station.
"Before the attack Shorter can be seen pacing up and down the platform clearly seeking out the victim in what was a pre-planned assault.
"I commend the bravery of the woman for immediately reporting what happened and supporting our subsequent investigation which has resulted in an additional sentence for a sexual predator.
"Tackling sexual offending on the railway is a top priority for BTP and we encourage anyone who is victim of, or witness to, this crime type to report it to us by texting 61016."