A former army captain who sexually assaulted a sleeping 14-year-old girl on a train has been jailed.
Michael Hunt, 64, of Formby, Merseyside, was sentenced to 10 months in prison and placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years following the incident in April last year.
Liverpool Crown Court heard how the victim boarded the train at Seaforth and Litherland station and, shortly into the journey, Hunt, changed seats to sit opposite her.
The guard checked on the teen who appeared to be sleeping and saw Hunt moving towards her.
He went to investigate and saw Hunt with his hand between the girl’s legs, British Transport Police said.
The guard shouted at him to stop molesting the girl and told him he was calling the police.
Hunt left the train at Freshfields station before the police could get there.
The girl woke up shortly afterwards in a distressed state and told a fellow passenger that Hunt had touched her.
Police subsequently launched an appeal featuring CCTV footage of Hunt at Moorfields station in Liverpool.
The 64-year-old came forward and identified himself as the man pictured and was arrested at his home address.
He denied the charge of sexual assault but was found guilty by a jury on August 7 following a two-day trial.
He was sentenced on October 9.
Investigating officer, DC Dom Wilcox, said: “This was a disgusting, opportunist attack on a young girl who was making her way home after a day out with friends. To deny the offence and put his victim through the further distress of a trial was cowardly.
“Hunt’s victim was left deeply traumatised by what he did.
“She should have been able to travel in safety without falling victim to Hunt’s vile and unwanted behaviour.”
