A former ride operator at Drayton Manor theme park has admitted sexually assaulting 19 girls while working at the Staffordshire attraction. Josef Luke Hammond, 24, from Birmingham, appeared at Stafford Crown Court on Monday to admit 19 counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching.
Crimes uncovered after victim told parent
Hammond came to the attention of police in August 2024 when a girl told her parent that he had touched her inappropriately, Staffordshire Police said. An investigation then identified more victims.
Staff at the park were told what had happened and reviewed CCTV, and Hammond was “immediately sent home”. Police were called and he was arrested the same day, the force said.
Investigation found more victims
The investigation found that Hammond, who worked as a ride operator between March and August 2024, had sexually assaulted more victims. He was bailed ahead of his sentencing at Stafford Crown Court on December 11.
In a statement, Drayton Manor said it continued to offer Hammond’s victims its “unwavering support”. The park said it was “appalled” by the offences and that the individual was “immediately suspended and then dismissed” once concerns were raised.
Police urge other potential victims to come forward
Detective Inspector Vanessa Furnival, from Staffordshire Police’s child protection team, urged anyone who thinks their child may have been a victim to contact police. She praised the bravery of the victims and the rapid response from Drayton Manor staff.
“While we’re pleased to secure this conviction, we would advise any parents or guardians who think their child may have been a victim to get in touch with the police directly,” she said.
