A MAN has been jailed after he was caught pleasuring himself in front of passengers and children on a station platform.

Oliver Shoesmith got off a train at Portchester station and started approaching women waiting on the platform.

The 40-year-old helped a woman carry a pushchair up the station steps while he carried a bag across the front of his body, covering his groin area.

A member of staff spotted Shoesmith unzipping his trousers and pleasuring himself while the woman with the pushchair stood with her young child on the opposite platform.

The incident on August 17 was reported to British Transport Police, and control room operators assisted officers on the ground to quickly locate and arrest Shoesmith at the station.

He was also found to be in possession of a small amount of cannabis.

Appearing at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on August 18, Shoesmith admitted one charge of outraging public decency and one count of possessing a Class B substance.

Shoesmith, of High Street, Aldershot, was sentenced to two years in jail and handed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) at Portsmouth Crown Court.

He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.

BTP Detective Constable Phil James, said: “Shoesmith’s actions prove that he is a threat to women and girls, and I’m pleased to see him swiftly put behind bars after this repulsive incident.

“I hope his sentence serves as a clear reminder that there is absolutely no place for this behaviour on the railway and we are committed to stamping it out and bringing offenders to justice.

“If you experience or witness a sexual offence on the network, I urge you to report it to us by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40. In an emergency always dial 999.

“Nothing is too small or trivial to report and we will always take you seriously.”

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