In 2022, the Offender Database recorded that City of London Police issued an urgent appeal to identify a man wanted in connection with a series of targeted sexual assaults on public transport. Detectives from the Public Protection Unit reported that the suspect carried out the assaults on the 35, 149, and 344 bus routes between October 2021 and March 2022. It was reported that the man specifically targeted lone women, using a calculated “elbowing” technique to make sexual contact with their breasts while pretending the contact was accidental.
The investigation established that the suspect’s behaviour escalated over several months. City of London Police reported that on March 17, 2022, the perpetrator followed one victim from her first bus onto a connecting bus to continue the assault. The prosecution reported that the man would sit extremely close to his victims and offer an apology to initiate conversation, a tactic used to mask his “unacceptable” and predatory actions. The investigation established that these incidents occurred during midday and morning commute hours between London Bridge, Liverpool Street, and Fenchurch Street.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The police reported that the assaults left the victims feeling extremely vulnerable and anxious while travelling. The City of London Police released CCTV images of the man they wished to speak with, describing his behaviour as a “sly” attempt to normalise sexual contact in a crowded environment. The investigation established that the suspect’s persistence in following a victim onto a second vehicle demonstrated a high level of predatory intent.
Detective Inspector Kelly Fisher noted that nobody should be made to feel unsafe on public transport and urged the public to provide any information to ensure the individual was brought to justice. For his actions in London, the suspect was sought for multiple counts of sexual assault. The judge and legal representatives in such cases typically note that the “opportunistic” nature of bus assaults requires significant public assistance and CCTV analysis to secure a conviction.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of this Wanted Suspect is as follows:
- Incident Dates: October 10, 2021; March 17, 2022.
- Reference Number: 21000589913.
- Police Force: City of London Police.
- Criminal Allegations: Sexual Assault (Multiple counts).
- Target Areas: London Bridge, Liverpool Street, Fenchurch Street, Southwark Bridge.
- Origin: Suspect sought in the Greater London area.
Monitoring and Public Protection
The suspect is the subject of an active investigation by the Public Protection Unit. Due to the nature of his conduct in the City of London, which involved following a victim and repeated targeting of lone women, his identification is a priority for transport police. Authorities state that this type of “elbowing” assault is a known method used by serial offenders to test boundaries and escalate their behaviour, making his capture essential for the safety of female commuters.
As a person wanted for sexual offences, the suspect’s details have been circulated to local units. Authorities state that his history of “calculated” targeting in London necessitates a quick response from the community. Any person who recognises the individual or witnessed the incidents on the 35, 149, or 344 buses is urged to contact 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously to assist in removing this predator from the public transport network.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.