A man who carried out two separate sexual assaults on a train service within minutes, including trapping a woman in a toilet cubicle, has been sentenced to six years imprisonment at Chelmsford Crown Court.
Court Hears Details of Terrifying Ordeal
Daniel Odubanjo, 27, of King Avenue in Clapham, London, was sentenced on Monday, January 12, after being found guilty of one count of false imprisonment and two counts of sexual assault at an earlier trial. The court heard how Odubanjo's predatory behaviour unfolded during a train journey from Shenfield to Chelmsford on Friday, November 29, 2024.
First Attack in Train Toilet
The court was told how Odubanjo repeatedly banged on an engaged toilet door during the journey. When the 21-year-old woman inside finished washing her hands and unlocked the door, expecting to find another passenger needing the facilities, she instead came face to face with Odubanjo.
The predator immediately pushed her back into the cubicle, locked the door, and grabbed her wrists before sexually assaulting her. Despite managing to open the door and attempting to alert fellow passengers, Odubanjo pulled her back into the cubicle where he continued the assault as she screamed for help.
It was only when the distressed woman lied about her age, telling Odubanjo she was just 14 years old, that he released her. She immediately approached a member of staff for assistance and reported the incident to British Transport Police after leaving the train at Chelmsford.
Second Assault Minutes Later
Only moments after the first attack, Odubanjo approached a 17-year-old girl who was boarding the service and sat opposite her. He proceeded to ask her a series of inappropriate questions before exposing himself to the teenager.
When Odubanjo left to use the toilet, the quick-thinking teenager moved seats to be closer to other passengers and explained what had happened. However, when Odubanjo returned, he sat next to the girl and sexually assaulted her.
A nearby passenger intervened at this point, grabbing Odubanjo off the girl and preventing further assault. The train was met by British Transport Police officers at Hatfield Peverel Station, just outside Chelmsford, where Odubanjo was arrested at the scene.
Sentencing and Prevention Orders
Odubanjo received a six-year prison sentence and was ordered to pay a victim surcharge. Additionally, he was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) which specifically prohibits him from being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while on public transport, at stations, or on Network Rail property.
Police Commend Victims' Bravery
Sergeant Hayley Whyte of the British Transport Police welcomed the conviction, stating: 'Odubanjo preyed on a young woman and a teenage girl in terrifying attacks just minutes apart. Both were left distressed and traumatised by the vile assaults he subjected them to.'
'Despite this, their courage and determination to see him brought to justice has resulted in a suitably lengthy prison sentence. I commend their bravery, and that of the bystanders who intervened in the second attack.'
The sergeant urged anyone who experiences or witnesses a sexual offence on-board a train or at a station to report it immediately by texting 61016 or dialling 999 in an emergency. She emphasised that every report is taken seriously and that swift action will be taken to trace sexual offenders and ensure they face justice.
