Man jailed after sexual assault of a 17 year old girl on board a Merseyrail train

A 64 year old man who sexually assaulted a 17 year old girl has been jailed for nine months.

Following a British Transport Police investigation Raymond Beckett, of Sharples Crescent, Crosby, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault and was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday 15 April.

He was also made the subject of a five year  Sexual Harm Prevention Order which forbids him from approaching, touching or communicating with any child under 18.

He must also sign the sex offenders register for 10 years and pay a victim surcharge of £187.

The court heard how, on Thursday 25 May last year, Coughlan approached the girl as she waited with a friend for a train at Liverpool Central station, staring at her body before touching her.

The friends moved down the platform and boarded their train but Beckett entered their carriage and sat next to the girl before sexually assaulting her causing her to suffer a panic attack.

The friend moved in to help her friend and decided they would cut short their journey and leave the train at the next stop

Investigating officer DC Mel Dodd said: “Beckett’s vile and intrusive actions have had a huge impact on the young girl.

“I commend her bravery and strength in reporting what happened and supporting the investigation.

“We take all reports of sexual offences on the rail network extremely seriously and nobody should be subjected to such behaviour.

“I hope this case will give other victims the confidence to come forward, knowing they will be taken seriously and we will take action, doing everything we can to bring offenders to justice.

“If you experience or witness a sexual offence on the railway, I urge you to report it to 61016 or via the Railway Guardian app. In an emergency, always dial 999.”