Shobankumar Jothiraman, of Manor Park, put on sex register for seven years after assaulting woman, 25, on the Central Line

Shobankumar Jothiraman, of Manor Park, was sentenced to six months in prison suspended for two years at Westminster Magistrates Court last week (August 9).

The 38-year-old was caught by undercover British Transport Police (BTP) officers scouring the Central Line platform at Mile End Station for potential victims on August 8.

When he got on board a westbound train he stood “unnecessarily” close to a 25-year-old woman before touching her from behind over her clothes.

Officers intervened and he was arrested, charged, and sentenced by magistrates in just 24 hours.

He has been ordered to sign the sex offenders register for seven years.

Investigating officer PC Graham Evan, said: "No one should have to experience unwanted sexual behaviour whilst travelling on the underground.

"Judging by his conduct on the platform, Jothiraman was seeking a woman to assault in this manner before he boarded the train.

"Unfortunately for him, plain clothed BTP officers were conducting patrols on the line he had chosen to offend at, and he was swiftly arrested and brought before the courts."

Transport for London (TfL)’s head of transport policing Siwan Hayward said: "Everyone has the right to travel without fear or intimidation and alongside the police we will eradicate unwanted sexual behaviour from public transport in London.

"This case sends a clear message to all potential offenders that plain clothes officers operate on our services.

"Offenders will be caught and brought to justice for their disgusting crimes."