Train driver who upskirted woman passenger while she was sleeping on Thameslink service avoids jail

A train driver found guilty of voyeurism after upskirting a woman on public transport has been sentenced to just three months in prison suspended for 12 months.

Paolo Barone, 51, of Buckinghamshire was travelling home from his shift as a Thameslink driver when he took multiple photographs of an unconscious woman on a train, including up her skirt.

While wearing his work uniform he repeatedly took photographs of the sleeping woman throughout his 45 minute journey.

Then, as he prepared to leave the train at St Albans he took more intimate photos of the woman by positioning his phone so that it was directed up her skirt.

For his offence, Barone must also complete a 55 hour Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and sign the sex offenders register for seven years.

The incident happened on a train from Blackfriars to St Albans on Thursday, 15 September 2022.

Three phones and a computer were seized as part of the British Transport Police investigation with one of the phones found to contain five images of the woman.

Investigating officer DC Daryl Keogh said: 'Wearing his work uniform meant Barone was in a position of trust when he committed this vile and disgusting violation. 

'Seeing the woman was sleeping and vulnerable he took the opportunity, not to watch out for her, but to commit this hideous act.

'The woman was horrified when she learned what had happened as she slept.

'We will stop at nothing to deter, pursue, arrest and bring sex offenders on the railway network to justice.

'Every report is important. See it or experience it, you can report anything that makes you uncomfortable.

'We urge everyone to save 61016 to their phones and download the Railway Guardian app before you travel so you can discreetly get in touch with us if you need us.'

His employer identified him and Barone was arrested at his home address.

Jean Cockerill, People Director for Govia Thameslink Railway, said: 'We were shocked and appalled to learn about this incident. 

'As soon as we were made aware we followed our internal procedures, which included suspending the individual as soon as he was identified.

'We hold our colleagues to the highest standards of conduct and this type of behaviour will never be tolerated.

'We thank the person for their courage in coming forward and reporting this crime, and we encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses this type of behaviour on the railway to report it to the British Transport Police.'