Michal Piczak

A man from Walthamstow has been imprisoned following a sexual assault on the London Underground, highlighting the ongoing issue of such crimes on public transport.

On 29 September 2019, a woman was travelling home on the Victoria line night tube when she fell asleep. As the train approached Walthamstow Central station, she awoke to discover Michal Piczak, 31, of Station Road, Walthamstow, stroking her legs. The incident, described in court as a 'prolonged sexual assault', occurred while the victim was vulnerable and asleep.

The victim immediately reacted by kicking Piczak away and fleeing to rail staff, shouting, 'Stop him, he’s been touching me.' British Transport Police officers arrested Piczak at the scene. CCTV footage captured the entire event, showing Piczak reaching across the tube's aisle to touch the sleeping woman before moving to sit beside her and continuing the assault by stroking her legs.

Piczak, who resides in Walthamstow, pleaded not guilty to the charge of sexual assault at Inner London Crown Court on 28 October 2023. However, following a trial, a jury found him guilty. The judge sentenced him to one year's imprisonment and ordered him to sign the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.

Detective Constable Ibrar Ahmed, the investigating officer from British Transport Police, commented on the case: 'Piczak is a sordid sex offender who targeted a lone woman as she slept and subjected her to a prolonged sexual assault. His jail term sends out a clear message to anyone who exhibits this type of behaviour on the railway – we will catch you and bring you to justice without exception.'

This case underscores the importance of CCTV surveillance and swift police response in protecting passengers on the rail network, particularly during late-night services.