Sexually assaulting a woman on the Docklands Light Railway has seen a North Woolwich man jailed for 16 months.

Francis Olawole, 48, was also placed on the sex offenders register by Southwark Crown Court on September 15, after he pleaded guilty to sexual assault and exposure at an earlier hearing.

The court heard how Olawole, of Claremont Close, was travelling between Poplar and Canning Town on June 13 when he was seen to expose himself by an off-duty British Transport Police officer, Pc Sarah Christiansen.

She warned two women travelling nearby of his behaviour and confronted him before accompanying all three off the train at Canning Town station, where Olawole was arrested.

The court was also told that one of the women had become aware of a man pressing against her during the journey and had moved away as a result.

Insp Ricky Twyford said: “Olawole’s behaviour frightened his victims.

“Any unwanted sexual behaviour is completely unacceptable and we work hard to keep the rail network safe.

“I would like to commend the officer who intervened and thank the victims for supporting the prosecution. I would also like to take this opportunity to remind anyone who is a victim of such behaviour to report it.

“BTP take all reports seriously and officers will do all they can to ensure offenders like Olawole are brought to justice.”

Olawole received two jail terms of six months each for both sexual assault and exposure, to be served consecutively, and a further four months for breaching the conditions of a suspended sentence for a previous sexual assault on the rail network.

If you experience unwanted sexual behaviour on a train, it can be reported by calling 0800 405040 or text 61016.

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