Ticket check turns predatory: Train manager assaults teen passenger on GWR service

A train manager, Nicholas McMurray, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for sexually assaulting an 18-year-old passenger during a journey from Cardiff to Swansea on a Great Western Railway (GWR) service in June last year. The incident, which took place just outside Swansea, has drawn widespread condemnation and raised concerns about passenger safety on public transport.

Swansea Crown Court was informed that McMurray got close to the teenager while pretending to validate her ticket. He then inappropriately touched her. The prosecutor, Ian Wright, produced evidence that the victim, having drunk alcohol but not being intoxicated, was afterwards assaulted once again by the perpetrator close to the doors of the train as it ended its journey. After exiting, the troubled teenager reported immediately to police personnel stationed at the railway station. 

Lies and conviction

In the course of investigation, McMurray, 38, consistently lied to police that the victim had made the first move by trying to kiss him. But proof in court caused a jury to convict him of sexual assault. The court also learned that the traumatic experience made the victim endure extreme anxiety, affecting her day-to-day life and even leading her to fail her driving test because she could not stay in enclosed areas with older men.

Sentencing and consequences

Judge Huw Rees jailed McMurray for seven years, ordering him to serve not less than two-thirds of his sentence in custody. McMurray will also be on the sex offenders' register for life. In a rebuke directed at him in court, the judge said, "You abused a vulnerable young woman for your own sexual pleasure."

GWR and police response

McMurray was suspended straight away by GWR and is no longer in their employment. He had also been involved with youth football in the Swansea region. British Transport Police Detective Constable Farrell denounced McMurray's actions and his efforts to deceive detectives.