Hawre Mohamed, of Bonehurst Road in Horley, was arrested in East Croydon days after the incident on September 22 this year.
Croydon Magistrates’ Court heard that the 27-year-old was at Horley station at around 8.30pm when he approached a young woman asking how to get through the ticket barrier.
Later he boarded the same train as the woman and followed her through the carriage.
Despite there being empty seats, he decided to sit with the woman against her wishes.
He then spoke to her before touching her inappropriately and trying to kiss her, even though she kept asking him to leave her alone.
Mohamed also suggested she should go back with him and asked how old she was – stating he “doesn’t go for below 18”.
The woman moved away from him and got off at Redhill station, where she reported his actions to station staff and the British Transport Police.
After officers spotted Mohamed in East Croydon he was taken into custody.
Mohamed was found guilty of one count of sexual assault last month and appeared at the magistrates’ court on Monday (December 8), where he was sentence to eight months’ imprisonment.
He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.
BTP Detective Constable Geraldine Devaney said: “Mohamed is a sexual predator who preyed on a woman travelling alone and wouldn’t take no for an answer. His behaviour that day was simply vile.
“Thanks to the courage and support of the victim, we have been able to put him before the courts and behind bars.
“If you experience or witness a sexual offence on-board a train or at a station, I urge you to report it to us by texting 61016. We take all reports seriously and can respond immediately to trace sexual offenders like Mohamed and bring them to justice.”
