Sex offender who followed girl on train jailed

Zainal Osman was jailed for engaging in sexual communication with a child

A man who followed a 15-year-old girl on a train and made sexual comments to her has been jailed.

Zainal Osman, 31, who was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order because of a previous offence, approached the girl on a train from York to Sherburn-in-Elmet at about 21:50 BST on 25 May, according to British Transport Police.

Osman, of Barlby Road, Selby, pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual communication with a child and to failing to notify police of a change of address, as part of his requirements under the Sexual Offences Act.

He was jailed for 32 weeks at York Magistrates' Court on 5 June. He must also sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.

Officers said Osman was "visibly drunk" when he approached the girl.

"He repeatedly professed his love for her, and despite the girl telling Osman her age he continued to make advances," a force spokesperson said.

The girl called the police and a ticket inspector who saw what was happening intervened and helped the girl to safely leave the train.

British Transport Police officers met the train at the next stop, Selby railway station, and Osman was arrested and taken into custody.

Det Con Liam Brown said: "This was a frightening ordeal for the girl and it is because of her bravery that Osman has been brought to justice."

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