A Pitsea man has been sentenced to two years in prison after sexually assaulting a woman as she slept on a train.

At around 1pm on January 17 this year, the 59-year-old victim fell asleep on a train between Liverpool Street and Shenfield.

When she woke up, she found 44-year-old Karim Hassan running his hand up her leg and under her skirt.

She immediately told other passengers and they alerted rail staff. At Shenfield station, Hassan tried to run away but was detained by staff at the station.

He was then arrested by an off-duty British Transport Police officer on his way to work.

Hassan, of Tavers Way in Pitsea, pleaded guilty at Basildon Crown Court and was sentenced on July 6.

He will serve two years in prison, as well as signing the sex offender register for 10 years and will be subject to a 10 year sexual harm prevention order.

Investigating officer PC Sarah Lawrence said: ““This was a very serious offence, committed on a busy afternoon train. The victim was extremely shocked and distressed by this incident.

“All those who use travel on the rail network should be able to do so without fear of unwanted sexual behaviour.

“I would like to thank the members of rail staff who intervened in this incident and detained the suspect until Police apprehended him.”

Siwan Hayward, TfL’s Head of Transport Policing, said: “Hassan’s actions that afternoon were disgusting and I commend the swift reactions of the woman, her fellow passengers, our staff and the police for acting quickly to ensure he was caught and jailed for his vile crime.

"No-one should be subjected to unwanted sexual behaviour on our network and I hope this sentence shows that there is absolutely no place for this on London’s transport system.”

Anyone who experiences any unwanted sexual behaviour can always text BTP on 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40.