A 45-year-old man has been found guilty and sentenced for false imprisonment, following a British Transport Police investigation.

Joseph Farrell, of Dongola Road, Tottenham, London, was sentenced to 26-months in jail at Salisbury Crown Court on Wednesday, May 10.

He was also handed a 10-year restraining order, forbidding him to contact the victim in any way whatsoever, and banning him from Crediton railway station for the same time period.  He was further ordered to pay a Victim Surcharge of £190.

The court heard how on Friday, April 29, 2022, Farrell entered Crediton station at about midday.

He then entered the station café.  There was a woman inside the café and he proceeded to lock the café door from the inside.

After the woman repeatedly said “no” to his unwanted sexual advances, Farrell left the café and boarded a train.

CCTV images, combined with images taken by the victim, meant police were able to positively identify Farrell.

Investigating officer Police Constable Adam Rudling: "Unwanted sexual behaviour on the railway and at stations will not be tolerated in any way.  Farrell's actions took the victim completely by surprise and made her feel very scared and extremely uncomfortable.

“I would like to thank the woman who came forward and reported this and her quick thinking in capturing images of Farrell, as he waited for a train, made the evidence against him all the more compelling.

“If you experience or witness a sexual offence on the railway, or at a station, I urge you to report it to us by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40.

“We will always take you seriously. In an emergency always dial 999.”