Sexual predator who assaulted teenager after getting off Surrey bus caught out by Oyster card
A man has been jailed for four and a half years after pleading guilty to the sexual assault of a teenage girl – and was caught by police via his oyster card. Andrii Melnyk, aged 30, was sentenced at Reading Crown Court today (January 17) for sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by touching. Melnyk, of Harvard Road, Chiswick, will also be on the sexual offenders register for life.
The assault took place last April at around 6am on Short Lane in Staines[1] and involved Melnyk following the victim after they got off the same bus. He grabbed her by the arm and attempting to pull her trousers down. The victim then fell over and Melynk fell on top of her, after which he sexually assaulted her.
The victim, who was 18 at the time, managed to fight him off and shout for help, before seeking assistance from a nearby taxi driver who rang the police. Melynk then fled the scene. Melynk was identified as the perpetrator after officers trawled through the CCTV on the bus and matched him to the suspect description.
By cross-referencing the oyster card used on the bus, Melynk was successfully identified as the user. Upon searching his home address, officers found clothing matching the ones in the CCTV, as well as a pair of distinctive jeans with mud stains on the knees. He was subsequently picked out as the perpetrator in an ID parade by the victim, before being charged with the offences and remanded in custody.
In a statement, Surrey Police called Melynk a ‘sexual predator’. Investigating Officer DC Katherine Peters, added; “This was a complex investigation that involved many different lines of enquiries including forensics, intel, witness testimonies and CCTV. The survivor was extremely brave and displayed enormous resilience throughout the investigation and court proceedings.
“Thanks to her, a dangerous man is now off the streets and in prison where he belongs. If you have been the victim of sexual assault, we would urge you to report it to us; we will listen to you and will do everything we can to find and bring the perpetrator to justice.” Go here[3] for further advice and information about reporting sexual assaults.
Where to get help after a sexual offence
If you’ve been sexually assaulted it’s important to remember that it was not your fault.
Sexual violence is a crime, no matter who commits it or where it happens. Don’t be afraid to get help. If you have been a victim of sexual assault or rape or you have information about an offender, you can contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency – there are specially trained officers who will listen and investigate where needed.
Further information, including details of agencies and charities that can offer support can be found on the Met Police website[4].