Ilie Preda, a 56-year-old man, has been given a suspended prison sentence after being convicted of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl on a train. The incident, which occurred between Wimbledon and Waterloo at around 4pm on April 24, 2021, has sparked significant concern and debate.

Preda was reported to have behaved inappropriately on the train, dancing around and referring to himself as Captain Morgan. He then approached three girls aged between 16 and 18, attempting to kiss one and declaring his love. The girls told Preda to back off, and as they attempted to leave the train at Wimbledon, Preda escalated his actions.

He moved towards the 16-year-old girl, trying to hug her and lift her skirt, and then attempted to touch the 18-year-old girl inappropriately.

The incident was promptly reported to the British Transport Police, leading to Preda’s arrest upon his arrival at Waterloo. This sexual assault occurred just weeks after Preda caused alarm in the Kingsbury area by walking around with a plastic imitation gun, leading to several distressing encounters with members of the public.

Preda, who had moved to the UK from Romania in 2018, described his actions with the imitation gun as a “poor joke” and attributed the incident to cultural differences, a claim that was dismissed by the court.

Judge Usha Karu, Recorder of Southwark, sentenced Preda on December 12 for sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, possessing an imitation firearm, failing to surrender, and a Section 4 public order offence. He received a six-month prison sentence, suspended for one year, and is required to register with the police under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 for seven years.