Victory for CCTV as Bognor Railway Station sex offender is jailed

It was by chance David Goldsmith was recognised during a police operation in Bognor Regis because of the clear CCTV image taken from the station four days previously.

Goldsmith was drunk at Barnham station on April 6 this year when he approached his victim and began making suggestive comments.

The incident culminated in the 23-year-old touching her buttocks and attempting to kiss her.

British Transport Police detective constable Robert Cager spotted Goldsmith during the operation at Bognor station and had him arrested.

"It was very brave of the girl to come forward," he said. "Had it not been for the CCTV we would not have caught this chap."

Goldsmith was sent to prison for four weeks after pleading guilty to sexual assault. However, the 12 days already served will be taken into account.

He will also remain on the sex offenders' register for seven years.

DC Cager added: "CCTV was extremely important '“ probably 80 per cent of this case was down to it. We rely on CCTV tremendously '“ it aids us no end."

Before approaching the girl, Goldsmith also made suggestive comments to a female member of staff at the station.

Chichester Crown Court judge Claudia Ackner warned if he continued to commit alcohol-related offences, he would be looking at longer prison sentences.

"For a young man of your age it will be a waste of a life," she said.

"You approached a young woman and became more and more suggestive towards her. What you put that young woman through was a traumatic experience.

"It has left her anxious and concerned. No member of public or young woman should have to be exposed and threatened like that. They are entitled to be protected."

Prosecutor Rufus Stilgoe said: "He was making suggestive remarks to her, bordering on the obscene.

"She is now scared of going on trains, it has affected her progression in relationships and she is not eating.

"He had a vague recollection of it because he was drunk."

Piers Power, defending, said Goldsmith appreciated the seriousness of the offence and wanted to make changes in his life.

"He is a man who does have problems," he said. "He has been homeless for the past four years '“ he has been an alcoholic for the past four years.

"There were difficulties at home when he was growing up. There was violence and abuse in the family. He left home at the age of 15 and has almost been homeless since that day."

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