Maxim Rowan-Moy

On the evening of 26 March 2023, a 15-year-old girl was waiting alone at Dover Priory station for a train to Rochester when she was approached by Maxim Rowan-Moy, a 32-year-old man from Plumstead, south-east London. Rowan-Moy, residing at Eglinton Hill, initiated conversation by asking about her travel destination, and the pair ended up sitting together on the train that departed at approximately 7:45pm.

As the journey progressed, Rowan-Moy offered the girl a bottle of vodka, which she accepted. He then moved closer to her and began a prolonged sexual assault, touching her inappropriately. The victim, distressed, stood up and tried to move away down the carriage, but Rowan-Moy followed her, sat beside her again, and continued the assault, violently pulling her towards him and persisting with unwanted physical contact. The attack was described by investigating officers as a 'truly sickening' violation by a 'disgusting predator' seeking personal sexual gratification.

The assault was interrupted when a group of concerned passengers boarded the train and noticed the girl's distress. Rowan-Moy briefly left his seat to search for his belongings, allowing a train guard to intervene and stay with the victim until the train arrived at Rochester station. Station staff immediately alerted the British Transport Police, who arrested Rowan-Moy at the scene. During his arrest, he falsely claimed to know the victim in an attempt to deflect suspicion.

Rowan-Moy appeared at Inner London Crown Court on 28 November 2023, where he pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual assault, one count of assault, and a public order offence related to threatening behaviour. On 13 December 2023, he was sentenced to 30 months' imprisonment. In addition to the custodial sentence, he received a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and was required to register on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years. Detective Constable Terry Botten, the lead investigator from the British Transport Police, commended the victim's bravery in supporting the case, stating: 'She has shown immense bravery in supporting this investigation and I’m pleased to see this vile and evidently very dangerous offender behind bars as a result.'

The incident highlights ongoing efforts by the British Transport Police to address sexual offences on the rail network, with the force emphasising their commitment to prosecuting such predators. This case was reported by News Shopper, drawing on details from the British Transport Police investigation.