A convicted sex predator who sexually assaulted a sleeping passenger on the London Underground's Jubilee Line has been sentenced to more than four years in prison but will not face a blanket ban from using Tube trains upon his eventual release.
Strict Conditions Under Sexual Harm Prevention Order
Stanislaw Pozniecki, aged 49, will be permitted to travel on the London Underground and all other UK train networks after completing his custodial sentence, provided he adheres to stringent restrictions imposed by a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
The legally binding order explicitly prohibits Pozniecki from approaching, touching, staring at, sitting next to, or attempting to communicate with any lone woman while using railway services. These conditions are designed to protect the public while allowing monitored movement, rather than implementing an outright travel prohibition.
Predatory Assault on Sleeping Passenger
The court heard how Pozniecki targeted a 25-year-old woman who was asleep on a southbound Jubilee Line service around 11.45pm on Sunday, January 2, 2022. After initially sitting opposite his victim, Pozniecki moved to the seat beside her and proceeded to sexually assault her while she slept.
The woman awoke during the assault to find Pozniecki offering her £20 to sleep with him. When she declined and attempted to disengage, Pozniecki followed her off the train at Wembley Park station, pursuing her to a bench on the platform.
Intervention and Arrest
A vigilant station staff member noticed Pozniecki's concerning behaviour and instructed him to move away from the distressed woman. Following this intervention, the victim disclosed the sexual assault to the staff member, leading to Pozniecki's immediate arrest by British Transport Police officers at the station.
Although Pozniecki initially entered a not guilty plea, he subsequently changed his plea to guilty ahead of trial. In addition to his prison sentence and SHPO, the court ordered Pozniecki to pay a victim surcharge.
Police Response and Public Protection Measures
Detective Constable Jamie Saunders of British Transport Police described Pozniecki's actions as "predatory" and "abhorrent," noting that he "sought out and assaulted a lone woman who was simply travelling home." The investigating team built what they termed a "compelling case" against Pozniecki, which ultimately led to his guilty plea.
Sexual Harm Prevention Orders represent a key tool in protecting the public from sexual harm by imposing specific behavioural restrictions on convicted individuals. These orders apply for a minimum of five years but can be set indefinitely, with breaches punishable by up to five years imprisonment.
The case highlights the complex balance courts must strike between punishment, rehabilitation, and ongoing public protection in sexual offence cases, particularly those occurring on public transport networks where vulnerable individuals may be targeted.
