Hasan Degirmenci

A disturbing incident of sexual assault occurred on the London Underground when Hasan Degirmenci, a 34-year-old man from Enfield, targeted a woman on a packed Piccadilly line train. The offence took place on 2 December 2022, around 6pm, as the train travelled towards Knightsbridge. The woman was accompanied by her 12-year-old daughter when Degirmenci, standing behind her, exposed his genitals by pulling down his trousers and pressed his groin against her.

The victim initially felt an unusual pressure from behind but soon realised the gravity of the situation when her daughter alerted her to Degirmenci's actions. Confronting him immediately, the woman and her daughter followed the half-naked perpetrator off the train at Knightsbridge station. They pursued him towards the ticket barriers, where they promptly alerted station staff, who contacted the British Transport Police (BTP). Officers arrived swiftly and arrested Degirmenci on the spot; he was remanded in custody following the apprehension.

Degirmenci appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on 20 December 2022, where he pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault and one count of indecent exposure. His sentencing occurred at Inner London Crown Court on 24 January 2023, resulting in a 16-month custodial sentence. Additionally, he received a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and was required to register on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.

Detective Constable Kathryn Faine, the investigating officer from British Transport Police, described the incident as 'extremely alarming and distressing both for the woman and her young daughter.' She emphasised that Degirmenci had targeted the victim in a crowded environment for his own sexual gratification and hoped the jail term would serve as a deterrent. Mandy McGregor, TfL’s Head of Policing and Community Safety, called it an 'appalling incident' and reaffirmed commitments to making the transport network hostile to such offenders, urging reports of similar behaviour to ensure justice.

This case highlights ongoing efforts by British Transport Police and Transport for London to combat sexual offences on public transport, with the prompt action by the victim and her daughter playing a crucial role in Degirmenci's swift apprehension and conviction. The article was reported by Lydia Chantler-Hicks for the Evening Standard on 31 January 2023.