Solihull man jailed for sexually assaulting teenager on train

A 30-year-old man from Solihull has been jailed for sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl on a train.

Ben Pountney, of Swallows Meadow, Solihull, boarded a quiet train from Stratford-Upon-Avon and sat opposite the victim. He persistently asked the teenager about her shoes and went on to sexually assault her before leaving the train.

Pountney pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault at a trial on December 5, 2022. He was sentenced to 20 months in prison on January 26.

The court heard how on October 13, 2020, the victim was traveling on a quiet train when Pountney boarded and sat opposite her. He began speaking to her, persistently asking about her shoes and getting closer to her.

Pountney was identified and arrested following help from the public and a media appeal. British Transport Police officers said actions like Pountney's will not be tolerated on the transport network.

Investigating officer Police Sergeant Daniel Hart said, "Pountney is a vile offender who targeted a lone teenager and subjected her to a distressing sexual assault. His sleazy behavior is a prime example of the harassment and intimidation of women and girls which we are dedicated to tackling on the network. It simply won't be tolerated, and we will bring offenders to justice."

Pountney was sentenced to 20 months in prison, handed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.