Banned from standing behind strangers

A pervert who assaulted a teenage girl on a crowded Tube train has been jailed and banned from standing behind females in public places.

Abdulrizak Ali Hersi, 32, targeted the 13-year-old after she boarded the Piccadilly Line train with her family during the evening rush-hour on 11 October last year.

Hersi was seen acting suspiciously after he got on at Green Park station and stood by the doors.

When the family boarded Hersi turned his attentions to the girl and assaulted her before
plain clothes British Transport officers intervened to arrest him.

Hersi, of Limehouse, east London, was convicted of sexual assault at Inner London Crown Court.

He was jailed for 18 months and made subject of a ten year Sexual Harm Prevention Order banning him from intentionally standing behind or next to any female he doesn’t know in a public place.

Hersi was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £187.

Inspector Sharon Turner said: ‘Our plain clothes teams are specially trained in identifying dangerous sexual offenders like Hersi, who will do their level best to commit such crimes without notice.

‘In this case, the victim and her family didn’t even realise what was happening until our officers quickly intervened.

‘Passengers should feel reassured to know we have plain clothes patrols like this taking place across the Underground day and night to keep everyone safe. If you ever have any concerns while travelling please do text us on 61016.’
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