Josef Luke Hammond, 24, from Birmingham, has admitted sexually assaulting 19 girls while working at Drayton Manor theme park in Staffordshire. He pleaded guilty to 19 counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching at Stafford Crown Court on Monday, October 12.
Ride operator targeted victims
Hammond was operating rides at the theme park when he targeted the youngsters. Police said he sexually assaulted 19 victims. He was caught after a girl told a parent that Hammond had touched her inappropriately. The theme park was informed and immediately sent Hammond home after reviewing CCTV footage. He was arrested the same day and questioned by officers.
Hammond has been bailed ahead of sentencing on December 11, according to Staffordshire Police. He worked as a ride operator from March 2024 to August 2024.
Theme park response
A spokesperson for Drayton Manor said: "We are appalled by the offences admitted by a former employee in court yesterday. The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, particularly children and young people, is our highest priority."
The spokesperson added: "As soon as concerns were brought to our attention, the individual was immediately suspended and then dismissed from their employment. We worked closely with the police throughout their investigation."
The park's spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are with those affected and we continue to offer them our unwavering support. We recognise the impact that such incidents can have on victims and their families, and we commend those who came forward and supported the investigation."
Drayton Manor said it has "robust" safeguarding policies and procedures in place, including staff reference checks, CCTV coverage across the resort supported by in-person supervisor checks, and comprehensive staff training. The spokesperson said: "We remain committed to continually reviewing and strengthening our policies, procedures and training to ensure Drayton Manor remains a safe environment for all visitors."
Police praise victims
Det Insp Vanessa Furnival praised the girls for their bravery, adding they all showed immense courage in coming forward and supporting police with efforts to secure the court outcome. She added: "I'd also like to recognise the rapid response from staff at Drayton Manor, who immediately removed Hammond from his duties. 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."
