A TEENAGER who was sexually assaulted by a pensioner on board a train between Worcester and Hereford was left feeling ‘vulnerable and exposed.’
Derek Arthur Worthington, 80, of Elizabeth Court, Bodenham Road, Hereford, appeared at Hereford Magistrates’ Court last Monday (August 8) after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing to sexual assault.
The court heard how on September 24 last year the 19-year-old man was already on the Moreton-in-Marsh to Hereford train when Worthington boarded at Worcester.
Having initially sat across the aisle from him, Worthington then changed seats so that he was facing his victim.
The court heard just after 11.30am Worthington stood up, put on his jacket and moved towards the victim and started ‘thrusting his groin’.
Moments later, Worthington grabbed the 19-year-old intimately before asking him if he would like to get some lunch.
Both men got off the train at Hereford and as the victim was walking up the stairs between platforms two and three, Worthington again tried to grab him, but this time the teenager pushed his hand away.
As Worthington was leaving the station, he turned towards the victim and said “Shame we couldn’t get together.”
The 80-year-old has been handed a 12-month community order, along with a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
He was also ordered to pay £620 costs, £100 compensation and a £60 victim surcharge.
Speaking after sentencing, Det Con Dan Murdoch from British Transport Police said: “Following the assault, the victim said he was in a state of shock and was confused about why this had happened to him. Worthington’s actions had clearly left him feeling vulnerable and exposed.
“I am pleased that Worthington has been brought to justice.
“I would like to commend the victim for having the courage to approach the police and report what was clearly a traumatic experience.
“No-one should be subjected to unwelcome sexual behaviour on the rail network, or anywhere.
“We treat all offences of this nature extremely seriously and encourage anyone who has been a victim, or sees someone acting inappropriately, to get in touch immediately. We will listen and we will work tirelessly to bring the offender to justice.”
