BROCKLEY MAN ANDREW GODMAN CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON SOUTH EAST LONDON BUSES

In a disturbing series of events that unfolded in south east London, Andrew Godman, a 34-year-old resident of Salehurst Road, Brockley, was found guilty of committing sexual assaults against two teenage girls on public buses within a span of just one hour. The incidents, which took place on the afternoon of 15 November 2018, shocked the local community and prompted a swift police investigation.

On Wednesday, 19 June, Woolwich Crown Court delivered its verdict after a thorough trial. Godman was convicted of two counts of sexual assault involving the two 13-year-old victims. The court subsequently sentenced him on Monday, 19 August, to a term of three and a half years in prison. Additionally, a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) was imposed, explicitly prohibiting Godman from sitting next to or approaching girls on public transportation. The order also restricts his use of two specific bus routes in south London, aiming to prevent any future offenses.

The first assault occurred on a busy Route 126 bus heading towards Eltham. During this incident, Godman sat next to the young girl, effectively blocking her in by positioning himself beside the window seat. Over the course of approximately thirty minutes, he subjected her to a prolonged sexual assault. Despite her repeated pleas for him to stop and her discreet attempts to attract the attention of other passengers, Godman continued his assault. The victim's efforts to seek help were ultimately unsuccessful at the time, but she later reported the incident to the police.

The second assault took place roughly half an hour later when Godman boarded a Route 273 bus in the Grove Park area of Lewisham. CCTV footage captured by the police showed Godman groping the thigh of the second 13-year-old girl. This assault lasted around five minutes before the victim managed to escape by getting off the bus at an earlier stop than planned, in an effort to distance herself from him.

Both victims promptly reported the incidents to law enforcement authorities. The Metropolitan Police’s Roads and Transport Policing Command led the investigation, which quickly gained momentum. Following a media appeal that included the release of an image of the suspect, information was received that led officers to Godman’s residence. His arrest was carried out shortly thereafter.

During police interviews, Godman was shown CCTV footage of the assaults and acknowledged that he was the man seen sitting with the victims on the buses. However, he denied that he had sexually assaulted them, claiming instead that the allegations were fabricated. His denial was met with skepticism, especially given the clear evidence captured on CCTV.

Godman was formally charged on Wednesday, 13 February, with two counts of sexual assault. He made his first court appearance at Bromley Magistrates’ Court the following day, Thursday, 14 February. The case drew significant media attention, highlighting the seriousness of the offenses and the vulnerability of the young victims.

Detective Constable Darren Barlow, who led the investigation, expressed his condemnation of the crimes. He stated, “These were appalling sexual assaults in public on two young, vulnerable girls who were understandably left shaken and distressed by the attacks. Despite having CCTV evidence which clearly showed the assaults, Godman denied wrongdoing and suggested that the allegations were made up, making the victims relive their experiences in court. Thankfully, a jury saw through his denials.”

The case underscores the importance of vigilance and swift law enforcement response in protecting the public, especially minors, from such heinous acts. The community of Brockley and the wider south east London area can now find some reassurance in the fact that justice has been served in this troubling case.