First Sentencing Under New Sex-Based Harassment Law

A man who harassed a woman on a train, grabbing her hair and asking to kiss her, has become the first person in England and Wales to be sentenced under new sex-based harassment legislation.

On 9 June 2026, David Stroud, 44, of Dartford, Kent, became the first person sentenced under Section 4B of the Public Order Act 1986 that came into force on 1 April 2026, criminalising behaviour that causes intentional harassment, alarm, or distress because of a person's sex. The case, investigated by British Transport Police, is being recognised as a significant moment in the effort to tackle violence against women and girls in public spaces.

The Incident

The offence occurred on a train travelling from Hastings to London. Stroud sat next to a woman travelling alone and made a series of inappropriate and unwanted comments towards her, before grabbing her hair and asking if he could kiss her. Despite the woman asking to be left alone, Stroud proceeded with the comments, telling her she was "magical" and that he loved her "iridescent hair."

The incident was reported to British Transport Police after the woman's boyfriend overheard Stroud's comments whilst on the phone with her. Stroud was arrested by BTP officers at London Bridge Railway Station. When questioned, he told officers: "It's just banter, we had banter, do you know what I mean? I've done nothing wrong to her."

The Impact

Prosecutor Paul Okebu told the court the incident made the woman feel "very uncomfortable" and "cornered." In her own statement, the woman described the lasting effect on her daily life:

"I now struggle to get on public transport, especially trains, both alone and with friends. When I do travel, I'm on constant alert and I'm extra vigilant."

The Sentence

On Tuesday 9 June 2026, Stroud was sentenced to a 12-month community order, 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and 150 hours of unpaid work. Stroud had also previously pleaded guilty to a separate 22-month stalking campaign against his ex-partner's daughter, sending over 200 unwanted emails and repeatedly attending her home. The woman subjected to that campaign was granted a five-year restraining order against him.

Speaking outside court, Stroud said: "The law changes and it is what it is. I was just unlucky that I was the first person at the time. I am not a monster."

Response from the Crown Prosecution Service

"David Stroud repeatedly harassed a woman travelling alone on a train, ignoring her clear requests to stop and leaving her feeling distressed and unsafe. What he initially dismissed as 'banter' was in fact criminal and he now has a conviction as a result."

Jennifer McDowall, Senior Crown Prosecutor, CPS West Midlands

"In these kinds of cases, it's really important that individuals feel that they should come forward. It's about sending a message to defendants that this is more than just friendly banter — this is persistent, unwanted and deeply distressing, and we need to send a message that this will not be tolerated and it must stop. We will continue to play our part in stamping out violence against women and girls and to make sure everyone can feel safe going about their daily lives."

Olivia Rose, CPS Lead on Stalking and Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor

Response from British Transport Police

Since the legislation came into force two months ago, 26 men have been arrested for the offence across the rail network.

"It's clearly not banter. It's unacceptable. Stroud's sentence will send a deterrent out to people who do think this is banter. Offenders can now face up to two years behind bars under this new law."

Detective Superintendent Sam Painter, British Transport Police

Another quote by T/Detective Chief Superintendent Clare Hammond, National Centre for VAWG and Public (NCVPP) stated:

“Women and girls should be able to live free from the fear of harm, harassment, and abuse, whether in private or in public. The outcome today shows the commitment of policing and partners to pursue perpetrators and raises awareness of this new legislation, highlighting our commitment to tackle misogyny and VAWG in all its forms. We want to encourage others to come forward, so that we can continue to take positive action, support individuals, and bring offenders to justice, for the benefit of women and girls everywhere."

T/Detective Chief Superintendent Claire Hammond, National Centre for VAWG and Public Protection (NCVPP)