A man who inappropriately touched himself on a Swindon-bound train while staring at a woman has been fined for public indecency.

Emil Atanasov, of Sloway Lane, Highbridge, Somerset, was one of the passengers on a train heading from London Paddington to Swindon on June, 27, 2023.

The 53-year-old appeared in Swindon Magistrates Court on Thursday, February 1, 2024, for public indecency on the train which left one female victim in "great distress".

The court heard how Atanasov made his female victim feel uncomfortable by looking at her, and then proceeded to touch his genitals over his clothing while maintaining eye contact.

At one point during the train journey, Atanasov rubbed his lips together, causing the victim “great distress”.

The incident was reported to the British Transport Police when the train arrived in Swindon.

Atanasov had pleaded guilty to to committing an act of outraging public decency, and was released on conditional bail while the court sought a Bulgarian translator.

But appearing in Swindon Magistrates Court on Thursday, Atanasov was given a community order as well as a fine of £120.

He must complete 20 days of rehabilitation activity requirements over the next 12 months.

Atanasov has also been ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £114, plus costs of £85.