Barking station: Man who made sexual comments to girl pictured

A photo has been released of a 55-year-old man who made sexual comments to a 13-year-old girl who was on her way home from school.

Roger Iriri, of Ward Road in Newbury Park, left the young girl feeling stressed and intimidated after he approached her at Barking station on July 7 last year.

Just after 3pm he approached her, invaded her personal space and asked her how she was and what school she went to.

Two members of the public intervened to move the victim away from him and as they did so he made a series of sexually explicit comments aimed at her.

He also abused other members of the public using homophobic language.

Police were called by security guards at the station and Iriri was arrested.

British Transport Police Sergeant Helen Hardless, investigating officer in the case, said: “No one should be subjected to such repulsive remarks as they travel, especially not a young girl returning from school.”

Iriri appeared at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on June 1 accused of three counts of harassment and possession of cannabis. 

This was his third breach of a sexual notification requirement in three years. 

He pleaded guilty to all charges against him, having pleaded not guilty on an earlier occasion.

Iriri was given a 26 week prison sentence.

Sergeant Hardless said: “There is simply no place for offenders like Iriri on the rail network, and this case should serve as a stark warning to offenders – we will do everything in our power to bring you to justice.

“If you witness or experience a sexual harassment on the railway, report it to us by texting 61016. No report is too small or too trivial and we will always take your seriously.”