When inappropriate behaviour becomes a crime on London public transport

Sexual offences on the Tube are at a five-year high, with sentences of up to 14 years for sexual offenders on London’s public transport systems

With millions of people using London’s public transport network every day, reports of inappropriate behaviour on buses, trains and the Tube remain a significant concern. Recent data has revealed sexual offences on the Tube are at a five-year high, with 595 sexual offences across all Tube lines in 2024-25. Following the annual ‘No Trousers Tube Ride’ earlier this month, critics have expressed concern women’s safety is not being taken seriously.

While some incidents are clearly criminal, others sit in a legal grey area, leaving victims unsure whether a crime has occurred, and alleged offenders unaware of the serious consequences they may face.

London criminal solicitors Lawtons are urging Londoners to understand where the legal line is drawn, particularly when it comes to inappropriate or sexual touching and indecent exposure, both of which can carry severe penalties under UK law.

Inappropriate touching and sexual assault by touching

Under UK law, sexual assault by touching occurs when:

– Touching is intentional
– The touching is sexual in nature
– The other person does not consent
– There is no reasonable belief that consent was given

Importantly, the law makes clear that skin-on-skin contact is not required. Touching can occur through clothing, with any part of the body, or even with an object.

On crowded public transport, accidental contact can and does happen. But for a criminal offence to be proven, the touching must be intentional and sexual. Where this threshold is met, offences are often dealt with in the Crown Court and in the most extreme cases can carry lengthy prison sentences, particularly where the victim is considered particularly vulnerable or their age.

Indecent exposure on public transport
Indecent exposure is a sexual offence under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and is defined as intentionally exposing one’s genitals in order to cause alarm or distress. Crucially, the offence is one of specific intent, meaning the exposure must be deliberate and intended to upset or shock others.

On public transport, this can include:

– Deliberately exposing genitals on a train, bus or platform
– “Flashing” other passengers
– Performing sexual acts in view of others without consent

While public nudity itself is not automatically illegal in the UK, it becomes a criminal offence when it is done with the intention of causing alarm or distress. Even exposure inside someone’s own home may be prosecuted if it is visible to the public, such as through a window.

A conviction for indecent exposure can result in custodial sentences of up to two years, community orders, fines, and in some cases mandatory registration on the Sex Offenders Register.

Both indecent exposure and sexual touching cases often rely heavily on context, witness accounts and intent. CCTV and passenger testimony can make proving that an incident occurred straightforward, but establishing intent is frequently the most contested element.

Nick Titchener, Managing Partner and Founding Director at Lawtons Solicitors, explains:

“Public transport is a confined and high-stress environment, which means behaviour that might be brushed off elsewhere can quickly cross into criminal territory. We regularly see cases where people do not understand that inappropriate touching, even through clothing, can amount to a serious sexual offence if intent and lack of consent are established.

“Educating the public on what constitutes a criminal offence is vital, particularly in shared public spaces like London’s transport network. What might be perceived as innocent or commonplace behaviour can have serious and lasting impacts on those affected by it, and arrest, prosecution, and long-term legal consequences for the perpetrator.”