Igor Borges

On 1 September 2023, at approximately 9am, Igor Borges, a 29-year-old man from Barnet, committed a sexual offence aboard a train travelling from London Bridge to West Croydon in London, England.

The incident began when Borges exposed his genitals and started masturbating while staring intently at a woman seated across the aisle from him. The woman noticed his actions and reacted by calling the emergency services on 999. In response, Borges placed his finger to his lips, signalling her to remain silent and not alert others. Despite this, the victim moved through the carriage to find another seat, with Borges following her and offering apologies. As she informed other passengers of the disturbing behaviour, they intervened to prevent him from continuing to pursue her. Borges eventually exited the train at West Croydon station.

British Transport Police (BTP) launched an immediate investigation, utilising on-train CCTV footage to identify Borges. It was discovered that he was already subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) imposed in August 2023, which prohibited him from making any direct or indirect approaches to females unknown to him in public places. Officers arrested Borges at his home address on Nether Street, Barnet, two weeks after the incident. During initial questioning, he denied involvement, claiming it was not him, but later admitted in an interview that he believed he was alone on the train—a claim dismissed as implausible given the time and location in central London.

Borges initially entered a not guilty plea but changed it to guilty for the charges of exposure and breaching the SHPO. His sentencing occurred at Inner London Crown Court on 2 February 2024, where Judge [Name not specified] imposed a custodial sentence of one year and eight months. Additionally, Borges was required to register on the sex offenders' register for 10 years and pay a victim surcharge.

• Date of offence: 1 September 2023
• Location: Train from London Bridge to West Croydon
• Charges: Exposure and breach of SHPO
• Sentence details: 1 year 8 months imprisonment, 10-year sex offender registration, victim surcharge

BTP Detective Constable Karim Omer commented on the case: 'This is not the first time Borges has been caught for a crime like this, and his far-fetched excuse that he was alone on a train in Central London at 9am did not wash with us. It is thanks to the courage of the victim in reporting his disgusting actions that we have been able to bring him before the courts and put him behind bars, and I hope that this sentence provides the victim a sense of closure.' The investigation was conducted by British Transport Police, who emphasised their commitment to addressing sexual offences on public transport.

This case highlights the enforcement of protective orders like the SHPO and the role of CCTV in public transport safety. Borges's prior history, inferred from the SHPO, indicates a pattern of similar behaviour, making this a significant step in public protection.