A THIRTY-FIVE-YEAR-OLD has been jailed for a year and a half after he sexually assaulted a woman on a train which travelled through St Helens.

Following a British Transport Police investigation James Walker, of Grafton Street, Liverpool, was found guilty of sexual assault and exposure at an earlier trial and sentenced to 18 months in jail at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday, September 15.

He was also made the subject of a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and must pay a victim surcharge of £156.

The court heard how on August 14, 2021, Walker boarded a service to Liverpool at Wigan and sat next to the victim.

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He then carried out a sustained sexual assault on the lone woman who attempted to fight him off and repeatedly asked him to stop.

Undeterred by her obvious distress he then exposed himself at her and forcibly made sexual advances.

At this point, another female passenger who was also travelling alone saw what was happening and intervened, telling Walker to leave the victim alone and escorting her to another seat where she remained with her.

Walker then approached both the women and sat down, with the witness blocking him from getting any closer to the victim, until he eventually moved away and left the service at Edge Hill.

'A hideous sexual assault'

Investigating officer DS Stephen Kite said: "This was a hideous sexual assault which left the victim understandably traumatised. Over two years later she continues to struggle with what happened that evening.

"Despite her protestations Walker continued with his vile attack until a brave bystander found the courage to speak up and help the victim. We commend her bravery and that of the victim in reporting what happened.

"Walker's disgusting and reprehensible actions have landed him behind bars and with a SHPO which will help prevent other potential victims of his depraved behaviour."

St Helens Star: Liverpool Crown Court Liverpool Crown Court (Image: Stock)

He added: “If you experience sexual harassment, we want you to report it​. No incident is small or trivial.

"Download the Railway Guardian app here https://onelink.to/rgpress before you travel and remember you can text 61016 to report anything that makes you uncomfortable."