Sexual assault at Borough Station; man given suspended sentence

Athman Athman, of Surrey Street, Plaistow appeared before Blackfriars Crown Court on Friday charged with one count of sexual assault. He pleaded guilty to the charge at an earlier date at the same court.

The incident happened at approximately 2.20pm on 21 November last year. The victim, a woman in her late teens, was walking towards Borough Underground Station when she passed a man at a cash point outside the station.

The man asked her name as she walked into the station. The man followed her and as she entered the lift, he stood very close to her. He asked for her name for a second time.

As he stood close to her, he asked for the victim's phone number. Intimidated by his behaviour, she reluctantly entered her number into his phone.

On the platform, the man then put his arm around the victim, touching her inappropriately. The victim tried to move away but she was pulled back and pushed against the wall. He then tried to kiss her whilst holding her with both hands.

The victim moved away, with Athman following her and asking her to come back. He then stood close to her again and put his arms around her waist trying to kiss her a second time. The victim managed to pull herself free and jumped on board a train.

The matter was reported to the British Transport Police, officers were able to identify Athman and he was later arrested.

Investigating officer PC Mark Luker said: "Athman's behaviour at Borough Station was completely unacceptable.

"His inappropriate sexual advances and intimidating behaviour has absolutely no place on the London Underground network.

"I would like to pay tribute to the victim in coming forward and reporting his behaviour. No one should ever be subjected to unwanted sexual behaviour on the rail network and we continue to encourage victims to report offences.

"In doing so, we can build a picture of the offender and bring them before the courts.

"If you are ever a victim of a sexual assault, please report it to us by sending a text to 61016."