Seaham man found guilty after touching himself while staring at woman on Metro train

John Muir, of Vincent Street in Seaham was found guilty on of committing an act of outraging public decency on a Tyne and Wear Metro train at a hearing at Sunderland Magistrates Court on Thursday, January 28.

A trial was held at in 30-year-old Muir’s absence after he failed to show up for his court appearance.

Prosecutor Michael Rose told the court heard that the incident took place at around 10pm on January 16, 2019, when Muir put his hands down his trousers and committed a sexual act while staring at a female passenger – who got off the train at University station in Sunderland and took a photo of Muir before escaping the situation.

She was called as a witness to give evidence during Muir’s trial, where she told magistrates that Muir had been trying to make eye contact with her, while groping himself and masturbating through his clothes.

The woman said: “I didn’t feel safe, I was shocked, terrified and disgusted by it, I was just focused on escaping the situation safely.

"I first saw him through the reflection in the window as it was dark outside and I tried not to give him any attention.

"I kept looking at my phone, I didn’t want to see what he was doing so I quickly took a photograph of him so he could be reported, not just for myself but for other ladies as well.”

The court heard that during his police interview, Muir acknowledged that he was on the train and was the person in the photo taken by the witness but denied committing a lewd act, claiming that he only had his hands in his pockets due to being embarrassed by his finger nails – which he chews.

During the summing up of the trail, the chairperson of the bench, Helen Midlane, said that the prosecution had “proven beyond reasonable doubt” that Muir had committed the act and found him guilty.

The bench then went on to issue a warrant without bail for Muir ahead of sentencing.

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day.

With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Click here to subscribe.