A 28-year-old Warrington man has been jailed after sexually assaulting a young woman while she was asleep outside Bank Quay station.
Liam Brodrick of Poplars Avenue, Warrington, was sentenced on Friday 2 May at Liverpool Crown Court to 9 years, comprising of 6 years in custody with the remaining 3 years on licence after he pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault.
He was also handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for an indefinite period and a life-long signature on the Sex Offenders Register. Furthermore, an indefinite restraining order was granted for the victim.
The court heard how in the early hours of Sunday 28 January 2024, Brodrick befriended a lone 19-year-old woman. After a brief conversation, they walked into a takeaway shop and upon leaving, the woman indicated she had to catch a train, parting ways with Brodrick.
Brodrick ran after her and walked with her towards Warrington Bank Quay station. Once at the station which was closed, Brodrick offered his coat to the girl before both sat on the ground.
The victim fell asleep and woke to find Brodrick sexually assaulting her.
She ran away but he called her back asking for his coat.
Despite his best efforts to ensure no one was watching, the CCTV at the station had captured the whole thing.
The victim was spotted by police officers who she immediately reported the incident to. An officer had noted seeing him just moments earlier and he was arrested.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Melissa Catterall said: “Brodrick knew what he was doing and took advantage of a lone woman who believed he was trying to help her but was only looking to serve his own sexual gratification.
“His actions are disgusting and abhorrent, and I’m grateful to see the sentence handed down. There is zero-tolerance for sexual offences on the rail network and we will do everything in our power to bring offenders to justice.”
If you are the victim of a crime on the rail network, you can report by texting 61016 discreetly or calling 0800 405040. Always call 999 in an emergency.
