By Lucy Caulkett-
A serial offender from London has today been jailed for his repeated groping of women on london transport
Ailu Getemariam, 24,(pictured) of no fixed address, has been sentenced to 14 months in prison after being found guilty of three sexual assaults on lone women across the Transport for London (TFL) network.
The incidents took place between March and May of this year, sparking concerns about the safety of female passengers on public transportation.
The first reported incident occurred on March 25, when Getemariam boarded a nearly empty train at Denmark Hill. Despite ample seating, he targeted a lone woman, stroking her leg and thigh, leaving her feeling trapped.
The victim confronted him upon disembarking at Beckenham Hill, dispelling Getemariam’s claim that the contact was accidental.
On April 18, he continued his predatory behavior on the Northern Line, following another young woman onto a crowded Tube.
Getemariam pressed his body against her, touched her bottom, and placed his hand between her thighs, maintaining the contact for an alarming five minutes.
The victim, visibly frightened, eventually moved to another part of the carriage, but he persisted in stalking her until she reported the incident to the police upon reaching her destination.
The assailant struck again on May 10, tapping the genital area of a woman on a different train. When the victim moved away, Getemariam targeted another woman, prompting the second victim to record the assault on her phone.
Despite vehemently denying all charges, a jury found Getemariam guilty of three sexual assaults.
During the sentencing hearing on November 15, Judge Freya Newbery condemned Getemariam, declaring, “Mr. Getemariam, you are a pervert.
You are seeking out young women on public transport to touch them sexually.”
Despite a 14-month prison sentence, he is expected to be released within one month, having served half of the term. Upon release, Getemariam will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), requiring him to use an Oyster card registered in his name for TFL travel and prohibiting him from sitting next to or attempting to communicate with unknown females.
This series of assaults raises concerns about the safety of women on London’s public transport and underscores the need for enhanced measures to protect passengers from such incidents.