LOUIS SMITH FROM GODMERSHAM JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEEN ON TRAIN IN KENT

In January 2016, a man from Godmersham named Louis Smith was sentenced to 21 months in prison after a disturbing incident involving a teenage girl on a train traveling through Kent. The assault took place over a span of approximately 20 minutes, during which Smith persistently harassed the young victim with inappropriate and sexual questions.

According to court reports, Smith, aged 29 and residing on The Street in Godmersham, boarded a train traveling between Headcorn and Wye. Once aboard, he chose to sit near the teenage girl, who was listening to music at the time. Witnesses and the victim herself later described how Smith, visibly intoxicated, began to behave in a disturbing manner, engaging her with lewd inquiries and making her feel increasingly uncomfortable.

At one point during the journey, Smith crossed a line by starting to stroke the girl’s leg despite her clear and repeated pleas for him to stop. The young girl, who was alone in the carriage, was subjected to a series of unwelcome advances, including attempts to molest her and kiss her against her will. Despite her resistance, Smith continued his assault, calling her derogatory names and ignoring her protests.

Eventually, the girl managed to break free from his grasp and fled the carriage to alert the train guard. She later recounted to police that she was left feeling 'shocked, disgusted, upset and depressed' by the ordeal. Her bravery in reporting the incident led to Smith’s arrest and subsequent court proceedings.

During the hearing at Canterbury Crown Court, Judge Heather Norton addressed Smith directly. Smith admitted to the sexual assault in July of the previous year. The judge condemned his actions, describing the attack as a 'frightening, sustained and prolonged sex attack' that lasted for about 20 minutes. She noted that Smith appeared to have targeted the girl because she was alone and vulnerable at night.

In addition to the charges related to the train incident, the court was informed that earlier in the day, Smith had made sexual advances towards another woman. However, no formal charges were filed in connection with that incident. The judge emphasized the seriousness of Smith’s behavior and the impact on his victim, ultimately sentencing him to a prison term for his misconduct.