Bangor man jailed for sexually assaulting 15-year-old girl on train

A man has been jailed for one year after sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl on a train in North Wales.

David Shaw, 50, of Beach Road, Bangor, appeared at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court last month, where he pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault, common assault, and criminal damage.

He was sentenced at the same court to 52 weeks imprisonment on December 12.

Shaw was also handed a ten-year sexual harm prevention order and ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for ten years.

The incident took place on the evening of Thursday, 14 July this year, when Shaw, who was said to be intoxicated, was sat next to the victim and another passenger on a train near Llandudno Junction.

Shaw was sat very close to the teenager, almost cornering her to a window seat. He then puts his arms around her neck and a sexual assault took place despite the victim stating that she was a minor on numerous occasions.

The girl and her friend got off at the next stop in Llandudno Junction followed by Shaw before the pair tried to make distance between themselves and the offender.

Shaw was refused further travel and then acted aggressively towards station staff, spat at a train driver and tore off his t-shirt in anger.

In the early hours of the following day, Shaw made his way to Colwyn Bay railway station and picked up a rock before throwing it at the station’s glass doors, shattering the glass and causing over £660 worth of damage.

British Transport Police’s Bangor Police Constable, Jon Liptrot, said: “Shaw’s blatant disregard to his victim, who repeatedly told him she was 15, was staggering.

“I am pleased to see this individual being given a prison sentence and this should send a clear message to anyone who thinks they can get away with this type of offence.

“I would also like to commend the victim and her friend for her courage, quick thinking and bravery throughout this distressing case.

“If anyone experiences or witnesses a sexual offence on the railway network, I urge them to report it to BTP by texting 61016 or via the Railway Guardian App. In an emergency, always dial 999.”