In a case that has sent shockwaves through the capital, a 69-year-old woman has been jailed for a predatory sexual assault on a sleeping commuter aboard a London train.
Valerie Kneale, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to two years imprisonment at Snaresbrook Crown Court after being convicted of one count of sexual assault. The court heard how the pensioner specifically targeted her vulnerable victim, a young woman in her twenties, who had fallen asleep on a late-night London Overground service.
A Predator Captured on Camera
The disturbing incident, which occurred on a service approaching Walthamstow Queen's Road station, was captured in horrifying detail by the train's onboard CCTV system. Footage showed Kneale sitting opposite the sleeping woman before moving to sit next to her.
While the victim was completely unconscious, Kneale proceeded to sexually assault her. The attack was only interrupted when another alert passenger noticed the vile act and immediately stepped in to confront Kneale and wake the victim.
Confrontation and Arrest
The quick-thinking good Samaritan not only stopped the assault but also followed Kneale off the train and diligently reported the incident to station staff, ensuring the perpetrator could be identified.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Sarah McKeown of British Transport Police praised the bystander's actions, stating their intervention was crucial. "This was a brazen and shocking assault on a vulnerable woman who was simply trying to get home," McKeown said.
Kneale was subsequently arrested and charged. Despite initially denying the offence, the compelling CCTV evidence left no doubt, leading to her conviction.
A Sentence and a Warning
In addition to her prison term, Kneale was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for ten years. The sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance on public transport.
DC McKeown emphasised the force's commitment to tackling such crimes: "We hope this sentence sends a clear message that we will not tolerate any form of sexual offending on the railway network. We will always take such reports extremely seriously and do everything in our power to bring offenders to justice."
