A Dartford man who performed an indecent act in front of a group of schoolchildren on a train has been jailed for a year and placed on the Sexual Offenders Register for 10 years.

Paul O’Connor, 31, of Bondfield Walk in Dartford, was sentenced at Amersham Crown Court on Friday (April 10) after pleading guilty to engaging in a sexual activity in the presence of a child at an earlier hearing.

The court heard O’Connor had boarded the 2.05pm Aylesbury to Marylebone train on Tuesday, 10 June, last year.

CCTV footage shown to the court revealed O’Connor taking a seat amongst a group of children who were returning from a school trip.

The court was told O’Connor exposed himself and committed an indecent act.

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While none of the children alerted their teachers to the incident before leaving the train, several of them reported it to their parents later that day.

CCTV images of O’Connor were issued to the media as part of an appeal to find the man responsible, and he was identified soon after.

Detective Inspector Chris Neeson said: “I am pleased O’Connor has been brought to justice.

“His actions were unacceptable, and it must have been disturbing for these children to have to witness them.

“Thankfully, incidents such as this are rare.

“British Transport Police will continue to work to ensure the rail network remains a safe place for passengers of all ages, free of unwanted sexual behaviour.”