A PENSIONER sexually assaulted a young man on board a train between Worcester and Hereford, "thrusting" at him and grabbing his victim's groin.

The victim, a 19-year-old man, was already on the Moreton-in-Marsh to Hereford train when “smartly dressed” Derek Worthington, aged 80, boarded at Worcester.

Worthington initially sat across the carriage from his victim but then changed seats so he was sitting opposite him.

He then stood up, put his jacket on, moved towards the young man and started thrusting his groin.

Moments later, Worthington grabbed the victim’s groin before asking him if he would like to get some lunch.

Both men left the train at Hereford and as the victim was walking up the stairs between platforms two and three, Worthington again tried to grab him, but this time he pushed his hand away.

As Worthington was leaving the station, he turned towards the young man and said: “Shame we couldn’t get together.”

Police say the victim, who had boarded the train at Worcester, was left feeling "vulnerable and exposed" after the attack, which took place at about 11.30am on September 24, 2015.

Worthington, of Elizabeth Court, Bodenham Road, Hereford, admitted sexual assault when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford.

During a sentencing hearing at Hereford Magistrates Court on Monday, August 8, Worthington was handed a 12-month community order along with a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement. He was also ordered to pay £620 costs, £100 compensation and a £60 victim surcharge.

Speaking after sentencing, DC Dan Murdoch, of British Transport Police, said: “Following the assault, the victim said he was in a state of shock and was confused about why this had happened to him.

"Worthington’s actions had clearly left him feeling vulnerable and exposed.

“I am pleased that Worthington has been brought to justice. I would like to commend the victim for having the courage to approach the police and report what was clearly a traumatic experience.

“No-one should be subjected to unwelcome sexual behaviour on the rail network, or anywhere. We treat all offences of this nature extremely seriously and encourage anyone who has been a victim, or sees someone acting inappropriately, to get in touch immediately. We will listen and we will work tirelessly to bring the offender to justice.”