A THUG who sexually assaulted a young woman before punching her in the face has been spared jail.

Umit Turkel, 48, of London Road, Benfleet, was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault and assault following an investigation by the British Transport Police.

At Lewes Crown Court on November 30, Turkel was handed a six month jail term suspended for 24 months and placed on the sexual offenders register for seven years.

During the trial, the court heard how Turkel approached his victim outside Eastbourne railway station where she was waiting for a lift home with a group of friends.

He then rubbed her shoulder before inappropriately touching her in front of her friends.

His victim started to complain and asked him to stop, but he didn't listen.

The woman then pushed him away, and in response to this, he punched her several times in the face before a member of the public intervened.

As part of his sentence, Turkel must also pay £850 court costs, a victim surcharge of £140 and £150 compensation to the victim.

Investigating officer DC Imogen Sweeney, who oversaw the BTP investigation into Turkel, said: “This was a nasty and vicious assault on a young woman who was simply waiting with friends at the station for a lift home.

"Turkel deliberately began an interaction with the group before groping his victim. He then punched her in the jaw when she objected.

“This distressing incident was obviously hugely upsetting for the victim and her friends and we applaud her for having the courage to come forward to report it to us.

“Tackling all forms of unwanted sexual behaviour on the rail network is a priority for us. We will always investigate thoroughly and do all we can to bring the offender to justice.”

“Unwanted sexual behaviour is anything which makes you feel uncomfortable, whether it involves rubbing, groping, masturbation, leering, sexual comments or indecent acts.

"We would encourage anyone who thinks they have been a victim to come forward."

Anyone who has suffered unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport can contact BTP on 0800 40 50 40 or text them on 61016 to report the incident.