A repeat offender exposed himself to a woman on a train just 12 days after his release from prison for similar crimes, leading to his swift rearrest.
The Latest Incident
James Gathercole, 40, from Streatham in south London, targeted a lone female passenger on July 15, 2025. She spotted him staring intensely from a nearby seat. Once other passengers exited at East Croydon station, Gathercole fully exposed himself and began masturbating while continuing to stare at her.
The woman disembarked at Upper Warlingham station in Surrey and alerted rail staff, who notified British Transport Police (BTP). Officers intercepted the train and arrested Gathercole. Bodycam footage captured the moment of his detention.
Breaches and Prior Convictions
Police checks on the national database revealed Gathercole violated his sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) and prison release conditions. The 10-year SHPO, imposed after his July 2024 conviction, banned him from public transport without valid payment and from contacting lone women.
He also breached his curfew on July 9, 2025, by failing to return home by 7 p.m., resulting in another arrest at East Grinstead station.
Gathercole’s earlier offenses included two exposures on May 26, 2024, and another on June 4, 2024, all involving masturbation on London trains. He served time for those acts before his recent release.
Court Sentencing
Gathercole pleaded guilty to two counts of exposure, SHPO breach, and license violation. On February 2, 2026, Lewes Crown Court sentenced him to two years and four months in prison.
Detective Constable Jean-Pierre Choolhun stated: “It is entirely right that, following our investigation, James Gathercole is now back in custody. There is absolutely no place for this sickening behaviour in our society.”
“We take all reports of sexual offending extremely seriously, and this case demonstrates that commitment. Our officers acted immediately, intercepting the train and arresting Gathercole shortly after the report was made.”
