Sheffield pervert targeted lone woman on train by "panting with pleasure" while performing sex act

A Sheffield pervert deliberately targeted a lone female train traveller and performed a sex act in front of her on a late-night journey, a court has heard.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Michael Lovell became aggressive when he was asked to wear a face-mask on the London to Sheffield service, on June 26, last year, said prosecutor Laura Marshall.

His victim, described as "a petite female", later saw him enter her carriage at Market Harborough, rubbing his penis through his trousers.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He tapped her on the shoulder and asked if he could sit down, before sitting opposite to her, exposing himself, and performing the act while "panting with pleasure."

Michael Lovell targeted his victim on a late night train from London to Sheffield.Michael Lovell targeted his victim on a late night train from London to Sheffield.
Michael Lovell targeted his victim on a late night train from London to Sheffield.

She tried to pull the alarm and he began to apologise, but when he saw the alarm wasn't working, he continued with what he was doing.

Lovell was arrested at Leicester train station, where he shouted racist abuse at a police constable.

His victim was left feeling “very anxious” after the incident.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sheffield Crown Court heard how police were called to the sheltered accommodation where Lovell lives, on June 19, after he threatened a support worker.

He was released on bail, on condition he wasn't abusive to staff, but police officers were called back when he threatened to stab someone, on July 17.

Ten days later and drunk at Sheffield train station, Lovell was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly. He kicked one officer in the face, tried to bite another, and spat at officers in custody.

The court heard he has 27 previous convictions, "largely for making a thorough nuisance" of himself, and has been jailed and made the subject of hospital orders.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

James Beck, mitigating, said Lovell had already served the equivalent of five months, but psychiatrists were unable to suggest an alternative to custody.

Lovell, 28, of Bell House Mews, pleaded guilty to offences that include threatening behaviour, indecent exposure and assaulting emergency workers.

Recorder Anthony Hawks told him: “Plainly you are a vulnerable and damaged person with a raft of intellectual difficulties.

“But you have got to understand that if you continue making a nuisance of yourself you are simply going to get locked up.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The judge sentenced him to 18 months. A Sexual Harm Prevention Order was made for five years and he will go on the Sex Offenders Register for ten years.

Read the latest cases from Sheffield Crown Court here.

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a digital or print subscription to The Star. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you. Subscribe here https://bit.ly/2YqMXgK so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.