Birmingham Man Receives Suspended Sentence for Train Sexual Assault and Crime Spree
A man from Birmingham has been spared an immediate prison term after committing a sexual assault on a train and engaging in what a judge described as a 'bizarre' series of criminal acts. Temisan Oritsejafor, aged 48, faced multiple charges, including sexual assault, racial abuse, and indecent exposure, with his significant mental health issues cited as a key factor in the offences.
Details of the Offences and Court Proceedings
Oritsejafor targeted a woman on a train travelling from Coventry on January 25, 2024. According to Judge Richard Bond at Birmingham Crown Court, the defendant showed the victim his crack pipe, declared his love for her, wrapped his legs around her knees, and touched her upper thigh. When she asked him to stop, he threatened violence, leaving her feeling scared and helpless.
This incident was part of a wider crime spree that included racially abusing a train driver and security guard, as well as causing havoc at the Caludon Centre mental health hospital in Coventry. There, he threatened a nurse, kicked display units, and threw chairs before being arrested. After release on bail, he further exposed himself at Coventry central police station and urinated in a cell.
Sentencing and Judicial Considerations
On Monday, January 26, 2026, Oritsejafor was handed a 20-month suspended sentence, suspended for 18 months, along with an order to complete 30 days of rehabilitation activity. He had pleaded guilty to charges including sexual assault, two counts of racially aggravated harassment, assaulting an emergency worker, criminal damage, and two counts of indecent exposure.
Judge Bond admitted initial concerns about deferring the sentence since August to allow Oritsejafor to demonstrate improved behaviour at supported accommodation. However, after reviewing a positive progress report, he concluded the deferral was justified, noting that the defendant's 'bizarre behaviour' was directly linked to his mental health condition.
Emphasis on Medication and Future Conduct
The judge emphasised the importance of Oritsejafor continuing to take his medication, stating that it enables him to lead a law-abiding life and avoid causing further distress to the community. He expressed hope that this would prevent future offences and help the defendant stay out of trouble.
This case highlights the complex interplay between mental health issues and criminal behaviour, as well as the judicial system's approach to balancing punishment with rehabilitation in such circumstances.
