Police appeal after incident on Somerset train - 6 February 2015

[whole diary]

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the British Transport Police press release, dated 16 March 2015:

Images released after woman subjected to inappropriate sexual comments on Somerset train

British Transport Police (BTP^▸ (British Transport Police)) is appealing for the public^s help after a woman was subjected to inappropriate sexual comments during a train journey between Weston-super-Mare and Bridgwater.

Today, officers have released CCTV^▸ (Closed Circuit Tele Vision) images of two men they believe may have key information which could assist their investigation.



PC Amy Perry, who is investigating the incident, said: ^The 19-year-old victim from Bridgwater, who was travelling alone on the service, was approached by two men who subjected her to a number of explicit and lewd comments. The incident left her feeling frightened and intimidated, and has naturally caused her some distress.

^Unwanted sexual behaviour of any kind on the rail network will not be tolerated. Fortunately incidents of this nature are rare but, when they do occur, we will do all we can to track down those responsible.^

Officers have undertaken a number of enquiries since the incident took place around 1.30pm on Friday, 6 February. Having viewed CCTV from trains and stations, investigators have now isolated images of two individuals they would like to speak to.

^As a result of our investigations, I am now in a position to release images of two men we believe may hold vital information in connection with this incident,^ said PC Perry. ^They both boarded the train at Weston-super-Mare before alighting at Taunton.

^If you recognise the men pictured, or have any information about the incident, I would urge you to please come forward and talk to us. Your information could prove vital to this investigation.^

Anyone with information about this incident should contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 quoting reference GSUB/B3 of 16/03/2015. Alternatively, information can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Notes to Editors:

If you do publish/broadcast this appeal, please ensure that you include the above incident reference number.

BTP retains copyright of the attached image(s). They are to be used only in relation to this incident and must not be distributed, reproduced, or published in any form of media, electronic or otherwise other than for this purpose. As publishers, it is your responsibility to check with the courts whether any restrictions have been imposed that may affect the reporting of legal proceedings. You are also reminded of your obligations under the Contempt of Court Act 1981. Under no circumstances will BTP accept liability if the image(s) are distributed, reproduced or published in any form of media, electronic or otherwise, other than for the above purpose. Permission to reproduce this image is given for one month only from today.

(My highlighting: I have therefore made a diary note to delete these two images after one month from 16 March.)  CfN.

[TaplowGreen]

Was there a TM^‡(resolve) on the train and if so did he do anything?

[TRAINMAN57]

Was there a TM^‡(resolve) on the train and if so did he do anything?

Did the said tm/conductor even know about the incident?

[chrisr_75]

Was there a TM^‡(resolve) on the train and if so did he do anything?

Did the said tm/conductor even know about the incident?

When I challenged a TM on the platform after leaving the train about the behaviour/language of a group of drunk lads who got on in First class at CDF^» (Cardiff - next trains) (said TM checked their standard class tickets and let them stay put, but he ought to have had words about the language regardless of where they sat) on a Saturday night, he basically just shrugged and said 'I don't care'. Not sure if that is a common reaction to these issues, but lets just say I had to walk away from him with the attitude that was on display, had my OH been by herself, I think she would've been concerned for her personal safety. Sadly I didn't follow it up with FGW^▸ (First Great Western) at the time. Could've been the same TM on the train in Somerset and he just didn't care again...

edited for clarity

[Alan Pettitt]

Yes it is a shame, the majority, no, nearly all FGW^▸ (First Great Western) TMs^‡(resolve) are absolutely brilliant but there are two that I can bring to mind that really do have a "Not My Problem" attitude. Strange how it seems to happen that I come across these two quite often! But, back to basics it only takes one or two to tar the good ones with the same brush.

[chrisr_75]

Yes it is a shame, the majority, no, nearly all FGW^▸ (First Great Western) TMs^‡(resolve) are absolutely brilliant but there are two that I can bring to mind that really do have a "Not My Problem" attitude. Strange how it seems to happen that I come across these two quite often! But, back to basics it only takes one or two to tar the good ones with the same brush.

Couldn't agree more with you. The rubbish ones are sadly a very visible minority who stick out even more when things are not 'normal'. There are certainly 2 (a common quantity it seems?!) who work out of Swansea who should seriously consider a career change...!

[trainer]

I make be making a silly assumption, but the title 'Train Manager' suggests to me that all aspects of the running of the train (except the driving, I guess) are under that person's control and fall within the job description.  Disruptive pax are part of that. I can understand a low-key approach which may allow some lee-way in boisterous behaviour and even waiting for help at a station further along the line before tackling a situation, but not to care is a dereliction of duty and needs disciplinary action. 

I have been fortunate in not being affected by these idle characters (nearly always the opposite positive experience, in fact).  In company terms, I wonder what redress one might expect if a representative fails to take action which might have prevented a crime or assault (verbal or otherwise) on a member of the travelling public...indeed something like the alleged offence described in the OP^▸ (Original Poster / topic starter).