Drayton Manor ride operator admits sexual assault of 19 girls

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 17:03 · Archive

A Drayton Manor ride operator has admitted sexually assaulting 19 girls under 13 while employed at the theme park.

Josef Luke Hammond, 24, of Birmingham, pleaded guilty at Stafford Crown Court on 12 October to 19 counts of sexual assault against girls under 13. He worked as a ride operator at Drayton Manor Theme Park from March to August 2024.

Hammond was first identified in August after a girl reported to her parent that he had touched her inappropriately. Theme park staff reviewed CCTV footage, immediately removed him from his duties and contacted police. A subsequent police investigation identified 19 victims, all of whom Hammond has now admitted assaulting.

A spokesperson for Staffordshire police said Hammond was 'left with no choice but to admit to all of the offences' when faced with the evidence in court. Detective Inspector Vanessa Furnival of the child protection team recognised the victims' courage and the rapid response of theme park staff.

Hammond has been bailed ahead of sentencing at Stafford Crown Court on 11 December. Police urged any parents who believe their child may have been a victim to contact them on 101 or through the police website.

How it is being reported

• Drayton Manor ride operator admits sexually assaulting children at theme parkDrayton Manor Theme Park operator Josef Luke Hammond admits assaulting 19 girls under 13.Malvern Gazette · 13 Oct, 16:24
• Drayton Manor ride operator admits sexually assaulting children at theme parkDrayton Manor Theme Park operator Josef Luke Hammond admits assaulting 19 girls under 13.Worcester News · 13 Oct, 16:24

In this story: Josef Luke Hammond · Drayton Manor Theme Park · Stafford Crown Court · Staffordshire Police · Birmingham

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem