A paedophile who sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl on her way to school was later found to have thousands of indecent images of children. 

On the morning of November 18, 2020, the young girl was on a train in her school uniform when 40-year-old Juan Cervera approached her. 

In front of other passengers Cervera brazenly put his hand up her skirt and sexually assaulted her. 

When she left the train he continued to follow her until she ran away in King’s Cross Station. 

After a six month investigation Cervera, of Anchor Drive in Tottenham, was identified and arrested. 

At his home officers found phones and hard drives contained tens of thousands of indecent images including upskirting and voyeurism images. 

Ham & High: Juan CerveraJuan Cervera (Image: BTP)British Transport Police said Cevera showed no remorse for his actions, refusing to comment when he was shown CCTV of his actions and presented with the evidence from his devices. 

He pleaded guilty to voyeurism and upskirting but not guilty to sexual assault. 

However, a jury found him guilty and on Friday (November 10) he was jailed for three and a half years. 

Detective Sergeant Robert Wilkes said: “One brave victim coming forward led us to a vile and prolific offender. Her testimony has helped us make sure that he is no longer a danger to women on rail network. 

"The victim, who is just twelve years old, first noticed Cervera because he was staring at her. He quickly went on to assault her and our investigation then revealed a litany of other offences. 

"This case shows how offending escalates and how one offender may have multiple victims.   

"We are dedicated to stopping these types of offenders at the earliest point possible.   

"If you’ve seen or experienced any type of sexual behaviour that makes you uncomfortable – be it staring, someone following another passenger, or someone taking photos - I urge you to report it to police”. 

Detective Chief Inspector Nia Mellor said: “This result comes after an extensive investigation that shows we will do everything in our power to put sexual offenders behind bars.   

"British Transport Police detectives doggedly pursued this case, starting with limited lines of enquiry. 

"The extensive CCTV on the rail network and intelligence sharing with other police forces led us to Cervera. 

"Offenders should be in no doubt that, if you commit crime on the rail network, we will identify you.”