Train Creeper Banged Up for Sex Attacks on Women
A disgusting predator who sexually assaulted three lone women on trains has been locked up for 14 months. British Transport Police (BTP) launched a full investigation that landed Hailu Getemariam behind bars.
Pervert Caught and Sentenced
Getemariam, 24, from Southend Lane, London, appeared at Inner London Crown Court. He was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault. On 15 November 2023, he was handed a 14-month prison sentence. The court also slapped him with a 5-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ordered him to sign the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.
Strict Sexual Harm Prevention Order Rules
- No public transport travel in London unless paying fully with an Oyster card registered in his own name.
- He must not sit next to, touch, or try to communicate with any unknown woman on any network or inside stations, except if absolutely unavoidable in emergencies.
How Getemariam Targeted His Victims
On 25 March 2023, Getemariam boarded a quiet train to Beckenham Hill and sat beside a lone woman despite other free seats. For 10–15 minutes, he sexually assaulted her. Terrified and blocked in by his close presence, she confronted him at Beckenham Hill and threatened to call the police. He then got off the train too.
On 18 April, he struck again on a Northern line train between London Bridge and 1 Underground. The victim was on a busy train when Getemariam stood behind her and used the crowded carriage as cover to assault her twice.
Just over three weeks later, on 10 May, a third victim boarded the Jubilee line between Westminster and London Bridge. Despite plenty of space, Getemariam invaded her personal space and sexually assaulted her. After moving away, she caught him in the act again assaulting another woman, filming and photographing him.
Police Praise Victims and Crackdown Continues
Detectives used CCTV to link the assaults and circulated Getemariam’s details for questioning. He was arrested on 15 May 2023.
Detective Constable Tom Bolton said: “Getemariam is a disgusting and callous predator who took advantage of the 1 network to sexually assault multiple women.
“The bravery of these victims coming forward shows how vital every report is. Despite his not guilty plea, the evidence was clear and he was convicted.
“We will not tolerate vile behaviour like this on our railways. If you witness or are a victim of a sexual offence on the railway, contact BTP by texting 61016 or via the Railway Guardian app. We take every report seriously.”
