A MAN who trapped two teenagers on buses and sexually assaulted them has been banned from public transport and put on the sex offenders’ register for five years.

In two incidents in June and July, Waylat Ali cornered the girls who were sitting on their own and sexually touched them.

The 49-year-old, of Fairlawn, suffers from a learning disability and enjoys spending his time travelling the town on public transport.

Hashim Chaudri, prosecuting at Swindon Magistrates’ Court, said: “These are two incidents with the first victim travelling on a bus in West Swindon. She was sitting by the window in the middle of the bus, and Mr Ali was sitting further up the bus.

“A few minutes later he came and sat next to her, which she thought was strange as there were other seats available.

“At first she thought it was the movement of the bus which was causing him to touch her.

“She tried to move further away from him, but at one stage he put his left hand on her leg and started to move his hand up. She told him to stop and tried to use her mobile phone to distract him and get him to stop.

“When he wouldn’t stop she decided to get off the bus.

“The second victim was travelling on the number 15 bus, and when she got on she sat by the window, when the defendant came and sat next to her.

“She moved her bag even though it was quite clear there were other seats available. When he sat next to her she could feel him rubbing against her. She told him to move but he continued for around 60 seconds.

“As she got up to leave she noticed he moved in order to sit next to another female. The victims were effectively trapped when sitting by the window when he sat next to them.”

The statement of one of the victims was read to the court by Mr Chaudri.

It read: “I still find it shocking that an incident of this sort can take place with people around and on public transport.

“Since it happened I have found myself dirty and vulnerable. I have to use the bus to get to and from work, but now I feel anxious and try to avoid all human contact.

“It has caused me a loss of confidence and disrupted my daily routine. I do not feel I should have to keep looking over my shoulder because of himwhat he did.”

Mark Glendenning, defending, said Ali’s disability meant he lacked the proper social skills to understand the gravity of what he had been doing.

“He accepts now what he did amounts to sexual assault. He is married with three children and has a learning disability.

“His family have become his sole carers and they take that responsibility very seriously. However, he doesn’t really have any meaningful interaction with members of the community. Waylat hasn’t got social skills to start a conversation of discuss matters.

“While I do not seek to diminish these experiences in any way, it comes down to trying to get some interaction with other people. He apologises unreservedly and deeply to these ladies.”

Ali was made to sign up to the sex offenders register for a period of five years, with an 18 month community order with a rehabilitation activity requirement. He is also prohibited from travelling on any public transport except with an adult member of his own family, and ordered to pay £85 costs, a £60 victim surcharge, and a courts charge of £150.