A train driver took photographs up the skirt of a sleeping passenger in what was branded "a vile and disgusting violation". Thamselink driver Paolo Barone was travelling home from work when he targeted his victim on a train from Blackfriars to St Albans.
The 51-year-old was still wearing his work uniform when he repeatedly took photographs of the woman throughout a 45-minute journey. Then as he was about to get off the train, he took more photos, positioning his phone so it was directed up the woman’s skirt.
He was later identified by his employer and arrested at his home. Investigating officers seized three phones and a computer with one phones found to have five pictures of the woman.
Now he has been sentenced to three months in prison suspended for 12 months after being convicted of voyeurism, British Tranport Police said. Barone, of Brackley Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, must also complete a 55-hour rehabilitation activity requirement and sign the sex offenders register for seven years.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Daryl Keogh, said: “Wearing his work uniform meant Barone was in a position of trust when he committed this vile and disgusting violation. Seeing the woman was sleeping and vulnerable he took the opportunity, not to watch out for her, but to commit this hideous act.
“The woman was horrified when she learned what had happened as she slept. We will stop at nothing to deter, pursue, arrest and bring sex offenders on the railway network to justice.
“Every report is important. See it or experience it, you can report anything that makes you uncomfortable. We urge everyone to save 61016 to their phones and download the Railway Guardian app before you travel so you can discreetly get in touch with us if you need us.”
Jean Cockerill, people director for Govia Thameslink Railway, said: “We were shocked and appalled to learn about this incident. “As soon as we were made aware, we followed our internal procedures, which included suspending the individual as soon as he was identified.
“We hold our colleagues to the highest standards of conduct and this type of behaviour will never be tolerated. We thank the person for their courage in coming forward and reporting this crime, and we encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses this type of behaviour on the railway to report it to the British Transport Police.”
