Serial Train Masturbator Jailed Again Just 12 Days After Prison Release
James Gathercole, a 40-year-old repeat offender from London, has been sentenced to prison once more after exposing himself and masturbating in front of a passenger on a train. This disturbing incident occurred a mere twelve days after his release from a previous custodial sentence, highlighting a pattern of recidivism that has alarmed authorities and the public alike.
Details of the Offence and Arrest
In July of last year, a female passenger noticed Gathercole staring at her intently from a nearby seat while traveling on a train. As other passengers disembarked at East Croydon station, he fully exposed himself and began masturbating, all while continuing to fix his gaze on the woman, according to police reports. The victim, understandably distressed, left the service at Upper Warlingham station and immediately reported the incident to a member of rail staff.
The rail staff member promptly contacted the British Transport Police, who responded with urgency. Officers intercepted the train at East Grinstead station, where they found Gathercole asleep and placed him under arrest. Subsequent checks on the Police National Database revealed that he was in breach of an existing Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and the conditions of his prison release licence, having been freed from custody just twelve days earlier.
History of Repeat Offences and Legal Breaches
Gathercole's criminal history includes previous convictions for similar acts. In July 2024, he was jailed for two separate instances on May 26, 2024, during which he exposed himself to women and masturbated on trains in London. Following that conviction, he was issued a ten-year SHPO, which prohibited him from traveling on public transport without a valid method of payment or making any form of contact with a lone woman.
Despite these strict conditions, Gathercole breached both prohibitions on the morning of July 15, 2025. Additionally, he had violated the terms of his prison release licence on July 9, 2025, by failing to be at his designated property after 7 pm, leading to further charges at the time of his arrest at East Grinstead station.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Gathercole later pleaded guilty to two counts of exposure, as well as being in breach of the SHPO and the conditions of his prison release licence. The second count of exposure relates to a further incident on June 4, 2024, where he exposed himself and masturbated on board a train in south London, as confirmed by the British Transport Police.
On February 2, 2026, at Lewes Crown Court, he was sentenced to two years and four months in prison. This sentencing underscores the judicial system's commitment to addressing sexual offences on public transport and holding repeat offenders accountable for their actions.
Police Response and Public Safety Message
Detective Constable Jean-Pierre Choolhun of the British Transport Police commented on the case, stating, "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." He emphasized the force's dedication to taking all reports of sexual offending extremely seriously, noting that officers acted immediately to intercept the train and arrest Gathercole shortly after the report was made.
Choolhun added, "This case demonstrates that commitment. Anyone who is victim to, or witness of, a sexual offence on the railway can report it to us by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40." This message aims to reassure the public and encourage reporting, ensuring that such incidents are dealt with swiftly and effectively to maintain safety on the transport network.
