By Sabiu Abdullahi
A UK court has sentenced a Nigerian man, Obinwa Obichukwu, to two years in prison after finding him guilty of sexually assaulting a woman twice at Euston railway station in London.
The British Transport Police (BTP) announced that the 45-year-old, who lives on Armstrong Close in Hertfordshire, received the sentence at the Inner London Crown Court on July 21. He had earlier been convicted on two counts of sexual assault in January.
Apart from the prison sentence, the court imposed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order on Obichukwu. It also directed that he remain on the UK sex offenders register for 10 years.
According to the BTP, the incident happened on the evening of August 20, 2023. Investigators said Obichukwu approached the woman as she walked towards Euston station. He reportedly asked what music she was listening to before placing his arm around her shoulder and inviting her to return home with him.
Police said he repeatedly grabbed the woman’s hand as she continued along Euston Road. He allegedly told her he loved her before preventing her from entering the station and sexually assaulting her at the entrance.
The victim later made her way towards the London Underground platforms. However, Obichukwu followed her and sexually assaulted her again near the ticket barriers before she managed to push him away and escape. She subsequently reported the incident to the authorities.
Officers later arrested Obichukwu at his home after tracing him through their investigation.
The police said the victim’s account, alongside CCTV footage, provided sufficient evidence for the Crown Prosecution Service to approve two charges of sexual assault against him.
Reacting to the conviction, Detective Constable Daniel Burke described the convict as “a sexual predator” who deliberately targeted a woman travelling alone.
“Obinwa Obichukwu is a sexual predator who targeted a lone woman and attacked her at a busy London station.
“He claimed his assault was consensual and took his case to trial, but fortunately, the jury saw straight through his lies, and he’s now behind bars where he belongs.
“Tackling violence and intimidation against women and girls is a priority for us as a force, and we’re tireless in our efforts to bring offenders like Obichukwu to justice.
“If you experience or witness these crimes on the railway, please report them to us by texting 61016. We will always take action,” Burke said.
