Moment serial train pervert who masturbates in front of women arrested by police

James Gathercole, 40, committed ‘sickening acts that have no place in society’ after being released on licence

Anthony France @ NewsFrenchTony

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This is the moment a serial pervert who terrorises women on the capital’s train network by exposing himself and masturbating is arrested.

Just 12 days after being released on licence, James Gathercole, 40, was caught staring at a victim in her 20s on a service from London Victoria to East Grinstead, West Sussex.

After passengers in the same carriage alighted at East Croydon, Gathercole undressed and performed a solo sex act while still glaring at her on the morning of July 15 last year.

The terrified woman got off the train at Upper Warlingham and reported his actions to a member of rail staff who contacted British Transport Police.

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Officers responded by meeting the train at East Grinstead where they boarded it and discovered Gathercole asleep on board.

James Gathercole is arrested on board train at East Grinstead

British Transport Police

When arrested, checks on the police national database uncovered he was in breach of an existing sexual harm prevention order and his licence conditions.

In July 2024, Gathercole was jailed for exposing and masturbating in front of women commuters aged 27 and 19 at Motspur Park and then four hours later near West Sutton.

One of the victims was bravely able to record footage of the incident which, alongside CCTV, allowed police to identify Gathercole as the culprit.

Gathercole was handed a ten-year order banning him from travelling on trains unless he has permission.

He was also barred from approaching, following, touching or making any attempts to communicate with any lone woman he does not already know and from removing or loosening any items of clothing below his waist in public.

Pervert James Gathercole

British Transport Police

Gathercole caught on CCTV in 2024

British Transport Police

However, at Lewes Crown Court on February 2, the defendant of Leigham Court Road, Streatham was sentenced to two years and four months having admitted two counts of exposure, as well as being in breach of his order and prison release licence.

Detective Constable Jean-Pierre Choolhun said: “It is entirely right that, following our investigation, James Gathercole is now back in custody.

“There is absolutely no place for this sickening behaviour in our society.

“We take all reports of sexual offending extremely seriously, and this case demonstrates that commitment.

“Our officers acted immediately, intercepting the train and arresting Gathercole shortly after the report was made.”

Anyone who is victim to, or witness of, a sexual offence on the railway can report it to BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40.

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