Paolo Barone, a Thameslink train driver, narrowly escaped a prison sentence after being convicted of taking upskirt photos of a sleeping woman during his commute home.

The disturbing incident unfolded on September 15, 2022, when Barone, 51, boarded a train from Blackfriars to St Albans in his work uniform. Throughout the 45-minute journey, he surreptitiously took photos of the sleeping woman, escalating his actions as he disembarked at St Albans by positioning his phone to capture images up her skirt.

Thameslink, upon identifying Barone’s actions, promptly reported him to the British Transport Police (BTP), leading to his arrest at his residence on Brackley Road in High Wycombe.

Found guilty of voyeurism, Barone received a three-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months. In addition, he must undergo a 55-hour Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and register as a sex offender for seven years.

Investigating officer DC Daryl Keogh condemned Barone’s reprehensible behaviour, emphasizing the violation of trust inherent in his actions. Keogh highlighted the vulnerability of the victim and stressed the commitment of law enforcement to apprehend perpetrators of such offences.

Responding to the incident, Jean Cockerill, People Director for Govia Thameslink Railway, expressed shock and condemnation, affirming the company’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of conduct among its employees. Cockerill commended the courage of the individual who reported the crime and urged others to speak up against similar behaviour.

The case underscores the importance of vigilance and reporting in deterring and addressing instances of sexual misconduct on public transportation networks. Authorities encourage individuals to utilize reporting mechanisms such as the Railway Guardian app and emergency contact numbers to swiftly address such incidents and ensure the safety and security of all passengers.