Man Jailed for Pleasuring Himself in Front of Passengers on Station Platform

Oliver Shoesmith, 40, has been jailed after he was caught pleasuring himself in front of passengers and children on a station platform at Portchester station.

Shoesmith got off a train at the station and began approaching women waiting on the platform. He offered to help a woman carry a pushchair up the station steps, using a bag to cover his groin area.

A member of staff witnessed Shoesmith unzipping his trousers and pleasuring himself while the woman with the pushchair stood with her young child on the opposite platform.

The incident, which occurred on August 17, was reported to British Transport Police. Control room operators assisted officers in quickly locating and arresting Shoesmith at the station. He was also found in possession of a small amount of cannabis.

Shoesmith appeared at Portsmouth Magistrates Court on August 18, where he admitted to one charge of outraging public decency and one count of possessing a Class B substance. He was sentenced to two years in jail at Portsmouth Crown Court.

In addition to his jail sentence, Shoesmith was handed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.

BTP Detective Constable Phil James said: "Shoesmith's actions prove that he is a threat to women and girls, and I'm pleased to see him swiftly put behind bars after this repulsive incident. I hope his sentence serves as a clear reminder that there is absolutely no place for this behaviour on the railway and we are committed to stamping it out and bringing offenders to justice."

The BTP encourages anyone who experiences or witnesses a sexual offence on the network to report it by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40. In an emergency, always dial 999. "Nothing is too small or trivial to report and we will always take you seriously," James stated.