Reading Magistrates' Court: Thatcham man jailed for harassing woman on train

A Thatcham man has been jailed after blocking a woman’s exit on a train and continuously staring at her.

Dominik Bullock, 26, of Spurcroft Road, was found guilty of causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress contrary to Section 4(a) of the Public Order Act.

Mr Bullock was sentenced to 22 weeks in prison at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

British Transport Police Sgt Charlotte Collins said: “It’s clear from Bullock’s persistent and distressing actions that he is a danger to women and girls.

“I’m pleased to see that after five days he was identified and sent back to prison, thanks to the crucial help of our colleagues at Thames Valley Police.”

The court heard how at around 1.45pm on Saturday, March 5, Mr Bullock sat next to the victim on the train and began intently staring at her.

The victim asked him to stop staring several times as it was making her feel uncomfortable, but he refused.

The victim, who was visibly upset, continued to ask Bullock to move out of her way. Bullock remained emotionless and still refused.

Other passengers in the carriage also started asking Bullock to move while the victim phoned the police, but he continued to refuse.

The train manager was alerted and removed Bullock from the train at Thatcham.

Sgt Collins also said: “No one should be made to feel scared or uncomfortable whilst travelling, and we are committed to making sure women feel safer on the network.

“I commend the victim for her bravery in reporting this incident.”

Mr Bullock was arrested four days after the incident on Wednesday, March 9, after he was identified on station CCTV.

Sgt Collins urged anyone who experiences or witnesses sexual harassment on the railway to report it to the British Transport Police by texting 61019 or, when in an emergency, dial 999.