In 2019, the Offender Database reported that Mohammed Ismail, then 39, of Hilden Street, Bolton, Greater Manchester, was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment. On 28 May 2019, Ismail appeared at Manchester Crown Court after being convicted of targeting lone female passengers during a series of sexual assaults on the rail network.
The investigation established that Ismail carried out the attacks during the summer of 2018. On the first occasion, a woman travelling from Manchester to Preston was targeted when Ismail sat next to her in an empty carriage and pinned her against the window before rubbing her thigh. A month later, he assaulted a teenage girl travelling to Westhoughton, Bolton, by squeezing next to her, repeatedly touching her leg, and miming a sex act with his finger. Detectives from the British Transport Police (BTP) identified Ismail following an extensive review of CCTV footage and a public media appeal.
Judicial Findings and Impact
Judge Alan Conrad QC emphasised that women travelling alone on public transport deserve and need protection from predatory behaviour. The court reported that Ismail had forced his victims into trials by claiming “mistaken identity,” despite the clear CCTV evidence against him. The prosecution emphasised that Ismail was already a convicted sex offender with a history of gross indecency and assaults on minors, yet he continued to target vulnerable females in confined spaces.
The judge emphasised that the touching was prolonged and occurred in circumstances that were extremely distressing for the victims. The court heard how the teenage victim was left in tears after having to brush Ismail’s hand away multiple times. The prosecution emphasised that Ismail showed no remorse, choosing to deny the charges at the magistrates’ court before being sent to the crown court for his 12-month sentence. For his crimes in Manchester and Bolton, the court determined that only an immediate custodial sentence was appropriate.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in Greater Manchester, Mohammed Ismail was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: 12 months in immediate custody.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were activated.
- Convictions: Found guilty of two counts of sexual assault.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Ismail is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Greater Manchester Police and the British Transport Police. His history of repeat sexual offending and his specific pattern of targeting lone women on public transport mean he remains under high-level scrutiny by authorities in Bolton.
As a registered sex offender, Ismail must comply with notification requirements regarding his residence in Hilden Street, Bolton. Authorities state that his risk management is a priority for the Public Protection Unit to ensure he does not re-offend on the transport network. Any breach of his registration conditions or his licence terms following his release from prison will result in his immediate return to Manchester Crown Court.
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.