A man who sexually assaulted three lone women on board a train and two Tubes has been sentenced to 14 months in jail.
Hailu Getemariam, 24, of Southend Lane, London, was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation and sentenced on November 15.
On March 25 this year a woman was travelling alone on a quiet train towards Beckenham Hill when Getemariam boarded and took a seat beside her, despite there being several seats elsewhere.
Getemariam sexually assaulted the victim throughout the 10 to 15 minute journey. She reported feeling scared and blocked in by him due to the close proximity of their seats, BTP said in a statement on Tuesday.
As the victim attempted to leave the train at Beckenham Hill station, Getemariam also left. The woman then confronted him and told him to leave her alone otherwise she would call the police.
Less than a month later, on board a Northern line Tube between London Bridge and Balham, Getemariam assaulted a second woman.
The victim reported boarding a busy service on April 18 when Getemariam stood behind her. He used the busy train as a cover to sexually assault her. She was able to move further away from him, BTP said, but he sexually assaulted her again.
On May 10, a third woman boarded a Jubilee line train between Westminster and London Bridge when – despite there being plenty of space on the train – Getemariam intruded on her personal space and sexually assaulted her.
After moving away, the victim then witnessed him sexually assault another woman. After this, she filmed Getemariam and took pictures of him.
Detectives from BTP used CCTV to link the three offences and once Getemariam was identified, circulated that he was wanted for questioning.
On May 15 Getemariam was arrested.
Detective Constable Tom Bolton, investigating officer in the case, said: “Getemariam is a disgusting and callous predator, who took advantage of the rail network to sexually assault multiple women.
“The bravery of these three victims coming forward highlights how important each report to British Transport Police is. By linking the three reports together, despite his not guilty plea, the evidence spoke for itself and he was found guilty.
“Vile behaviour like Getemariam’s will not be tolerated on the rail network and we are dedicated to tackling offences like this.
“If you are a victim of, or a witness to, a sexual offence on the railway - I urge you to report it to BTP by texting 61016 or via the Railway Guardian app. We will always take you seriously.”
