Metro groper sentenced to six months

A groper who touched the breasts of two females, including a minor, on a Metro train was sentenced to six months in jail for molestation, the Jing'an District People's Court said on Tuesday.

According to the court, on July 1, the defendant, a man named Wang, 34, sat next to a female minor and touched her breast in a train on Metro Line 8. 

The young woman attempted to avoid Wang's groping by moving to another seat, but Wang followed her and continued with his lewd behavior, according to the court.

About eight minutes later, he used the same method to grope another woman. With the help of other passengers, this woman summoned the police and Wang was caught as he attempted to escape.

During the hearing, Wang confessed to his crime and his lawyer tried to seek a lenient sentence because of his confession.

The court said Wang took advantage of the crowded environment on the train and the embarrassment of his victims. His acts also disturbed the order of the Metro transport system.

Surveillance video showed that the man also groped a third woman, although this victim did not challenge Wang.

Ding Dehong, chief judge of the case, told Shanghai Daily that in the past, it was difficult for police to collect enough evidence in Metro molestation cases to bring the gropers to trial. In many instances, victims don't report their attackers or provide contact information to the police.

But in this case, the evidence was solid and testimony from the two victims are enough to convict.

“Thankfully, in this case, one of the victims was brave and stood up to challenge the man. She also chased the man when he attempted to flee and helped Metro police officers catch him,” Ding said.

Ding hopes that other women who experience assaults will speak out, both to punish offenders and warn potential victimizers.