Man who sat next to lone women on trains, pretended to sleep then molested them jailed
A man has been jailed for sexually assaulting four women on trains between London and Cambridge.
Adriano Repetti, 46, would target women who were sitting alone, trap them against the window and then pretend to be sleeping while touching his victims.
One of them reported him by texting the British Transport Police (BTP) when she was attacked at around 7.30pm on a train from Cambridge to Kings Cross station on August 28.
She wrote: “I have no idea where to report this to but some guy is touching me on the train.”
Officers met the train at Kings Cross and arrested him.
In a “fortunate coincidence”, another woman saw Repetti being arrested and came forward to say he had also assaulted her on August 19.
“The case is a clear example of how one report can be the final piece of a jigsaw of evidence – and get justice for multiple victims,” the BTP said.
After an investigation took place, it came out that Repetti had targeted a 25-year-old woman on July 22 and sexually assaulted an 18-year-old woman on August 23.
Detectives believe that Repetti is likely to have committed other offences and urge other victims to come forward.
In his police interview, Repetti was unrepentant and, while he admitted his actions, said he did not think he was targeting women.
Repetti of Manor Way, Fulbourn, pleaded guilty at Inner London Crown Court on September 27.
Last Tuesday he was sentenced to four years and three months in prison for sexual assault by penetration and seven months in prison for sexual assault by touching - to be served concurrently.
He also received a seven-year sexual harm prevention order that stops him from sitting near lone women on any form of public transport in the United Kingdom. If he sits near a lone woman, he will be sent back to prison.
Detective Constable Mark Luker said: “Repetti’s predatory actions have traumatised his victims and they have all been deeply affected.
“Despite this, they were brave enough to come forward to police and, thanks to their testimony, a dangerous sex offender is now behind bars.
“Anyone using the rail network to offend in this way should know that British Transport Police have officers looking for you day and night. You will not get away with it.”
The BTP has urged the public to save 61016 on their phones or download the Railway Guardian app here.