Daniel Odubanjo, 27, was convicted of false imprisonment and two counts of sexual assault after attacking a woman in a toilet and a teenage girl on a service from Shenfield to Chelmsford on November 29, 2024
A man who sexually assaulted a woman after trapping her in a train toilet before attacking a teenage girl minutes later has been jailed for six years. Daniel Odubanjo, 27, was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court after being found guilty at trial.
British Transport Police have praised the courage of the victims for speaking out, as well as fellow passengers who stepped in during the second attack. Odubanjo, of King Avenue in Clapham, was aboard a train from Shenfield to Chelmsford on November 29 2024 when he repeatedly banged on the toilet door whilst it was in use.
The woman inside quickly dried her hands and opened the door, expecting another passenger required the facilities. She was instead met by Odubanjo, who forced her back into the compartment and locked the door, grabbing her wrists and sexually assaulting her.
The 21 year old victim managed to get the door open and attempted to raise the alarm with another passenger, but he pulled her back inside the toilet where he carried on the sexual assault as she screamed for assistance.
Odubanjo only stopped when she falsely told him she was 14 years old.
In a highly distressed state, she spoke to a member of staff and got off at Chelmsford where she reported what had happened to BTP. Shortly after, Odubanjo targeted a 17 year old girl as she boarded the service and took a seat directly across from her.
He fired a barrage of inappropriate questions at her before indecently exposing himself, according to Essex Live.
When he made his excuses to visit the toilet, the teenager moved closer to fellow travellers and alerted them to what had happened, but Odubanjo returned and sat next to her before launching a sexual attack.
A nearby passenger stepped in and dragged Odubanjo away from the victim.
British Transport Police officers intercepted the train at Hatfield Peverel station, on the fringes of Chelmsford, where Odubanjo was arrested.
A jury found him guilty of false imprisonment and two counts of sexual assault.
At Chelmsford Crown Court on January 12, he was handed a six-year prison term, ordered to pay a victim surcharge and given a Sexual Health Prevention Order (SHPO) preventing him from being under the influence of any substance whilst travelling on public transport, at stations or on Network Rail property.
BTP Detective Sergeant Hayley Whyte commented: “Odubanjo preyed on a young woman and a teenage girl in terrifying attacks just minutes apart. Both were left distressed and traumatised by the vile assaults he subjected them to. Despite this, their courage and determination to see him brought to justice has resulted in a suitably lengthy prison sentence.
“I commend their bravery, and that of the bystanders who intervened in the second attack. If you experience or witness a sexual offence on-board a train or at a station, I urge you to report it to us by texting 61016, or dial 999 in an emergency. Every report is taken seriously and we will take swift action to trace sexual offenders like Odubanjo and ensure they face justice.”