Michael Wainwright, 74, from Calderdale, West Yorkshire, was sentenced to eight months in prison at Bradford Crown Court on June 25 after pleading guilty to exposure. The incident occurred at Hebden Bridge station on February 22, when Wainwright masturbated next to a woman pushing a pram on the platform.
Incident at Hebden Bridge Station
At midday, a member of the public reported to station staff that a man was masturbating on the platform adjacent to a woman with a pram. After failing to spot the act on CCTV, a railway station worker went to the platform and witnessed Wainwright's behaviour. The worker called the police, and Wainwright was arrested and taken into custody.
Police Interview and Court Proceedings
During his police interview, Wainwright admitted his crime and acknowledged it was wrong but could not explain why he did it. Detective Constable David Bentley of British Transport Police (BTP) stated: 'Wainwright's actions were nothing short of horrific.' Wainwright later admitted he could have stopped himself from acting in the 'vile manner' but chose not to.
Wainwright pleaded guilty to exposure at Bradford Magistrates' Court on April 30. In addition to the prison sentence, he was issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
BTP's Commitment to Justice
Detective Constable Bentley said: 'There is absolutely no place on the railway for sexual offending and we’re committed to securing justice for victims and ensuring offenders like Wainwright have their day in court.' BTP urges anyone who witnesses a sexual offence on the railway to report it immediately by texting 61016. Bentley emphasised that no report is too small or too trivial, and the force will always take action. Alternatively, incidents can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
