Sebastian Vernon, 45, has been sentenced to six months in prison for sexually assaulting two women on late-night train services in London and Hertfordshire. He was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault following a trial at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court.
First Attack on the London Underground
The court heard that on March 25, 2025, Vernon boarded a Circle Line train at Ladbroke Grove heading towards King’s Cross station. Despite the carriage being nearly empty, he sat next to a young woman and sexually assaulted her while she was trapped in her seat. The victim pretended to leave the train to escape but stayed on after seeing Vernon disembark.
Second Assault in Hertfordshire
Just two weeks later, on April 8, 2025, Vernon boarded a train from Stevenage to Hitchin shortly before midnight. He again sat next to a young woman in a virtually empty carriage and attempted to engage her in conversation. The woman became suspicious and moved towards the carriage doors, but Vernon followed her and sexually assaulted her as she waited to leave the train.
Investigation and Arrest
Both women reported the incidents to British Transport Police (BTP), who quickly identified Vernon as the suspect in both attacks. Officers traced him to a central London court, where he was arrested after attending a hearing for unrelated offences, including assault, theft, and possession of cannabis.
Sentencing and Registration
On July 1, 2025, Vernon was sentenced to six months in prison and ordered to sign the sex offenders register for seven years. BTP Detective Constable Iryna Cuthbert praised the victims for their bravery and urged others to report similar incidents by texting 61016. “Tackling sexual offending on the railway is a top priority for BTP,” she said.
