Theme park ride operator admits assaulting 19 girls

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 19:20 · Archive

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

Josef Luke Hammond, 24, from Birmingham, admitted 19 counts of sexually assaulting girls under 13 while working as a ride operator at Drayton Manor theme park in Staffordshire. He was employed at the park from March to August 2024.

The offences came to light when a girl told her parent that Hammond had touched her inappropriately. The theme park reviewed CCTV footage, immediately suspended Hammond and sent him home. He was arrested later that day and questioned by police, who confirmed he had sexually assaulted 19 victims.

Hammond appeared at Stafford Crown Court on Monday and admitted all charges. He has been bailed ahead of sentencing on December 11. Detective Inspector Vanessa Furnival praised the victims' 'immense courage in coming forward' and commended the park's 'rapid response' in removing Hammond from his duties.

Drayton Manor said it was 'appalled' by the offences. A spokesperson stated the park has 'robust' safeguarding policies, including staff reference checks and training, and that the safety and wellbeing of visitors, particularly children, is its highest priority.

How it is being reported

• Ex-theme park ride operator admits to sexually assaulting 19 girls under 13Josef Luke Hammond worked at the park for five months (Picture: Staffordshire Police) A former theme park ride operator has admitted to sexually assaulting 19 girls under the age of 13. Josef Luke Hammond, 24, was working at Drayton Manor, a theme park in Staffordshire, when a girl told her parent…Metro · 13 Oct, 19:05
• Horror as sexual predator assaults 19 girls working at UK theme parkJosef Luke Hammond, 24, from Birmingham, was working as a ride operator at Drayton Manor theme park.Daily Express · 13 Oct, 14:54

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

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