Blackpool pensioner jailed over sex attack on train

Phillip Clive Butterworth, aged 70, of New Oceans Hotel, Blackpool, sat down next to his vulnerable victim and began subjecting her to lewd sexual suggestions, trapping her in her seat.

During the terrifying 25 minute journey he touched her inappropriately, Preston Crown Court was told.

The victim was so terrified by Butterworth that she sent text messages to her mum saying ‘Help me’ and asking for advice on what to do.

The court heard how moments before the attack, on January 9 this year, Butterworth had approached his victim as she waited for her train at Blackpool North station, and asked her if she was travelling alone.

He pleaded guilty to sexual assault and was sentenced to 27 months behind bars.

He was also issued with a restraining order to prevent him from contacting the victim and placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

DC Chris Biggs, of British Transport Police, said: “This was a vile and disgusting assault on a vulnerable young woman who was left terrified by Butterworth’s disgusting and inappropriate behaviour.

“The sentence handed down to him reflects the severity of his actions and will give the victim some comfort as she attempts to recover from this incident, which has left her deeply traumatised.

“Thankfully incidents like this are rare, but anyone travelling on the rail network can text us discreetly on 61016 if they are concerned for their safety or need to report an incident.”

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