Man guilty of indecent exposures at Theale station

A man has been convicted following a series of indecent exposure incidents at Theale railway station after a British Transport Police investigation

Stephen Benyon, 49, of Sandy Lane, Caldicot, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Friday 24 October, where he pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent exposure and one public order offence. He is due to be sentenced at the same court on Wednesday 17 December.

The incidents occurred between April 2024 and September 2025, with victims including a 40-year-old woman and a 16-year-old girl who were confronted by Benyon exposing himself and masturbating at or near the station.

Detectives conducted a thorough investigation, carrying out plain clothes patrols, reviewing CCTV, and undertaking witness enquiries. Officers also made enquiries at local pubs in the area, showing CCTV images of the suspect to staff and customers.

Benyon was arrested on Wednesday 22 October after staff at a pub in Church Street recognised him and called police. Officers attended the pub in an unmarked vehicle and apprehended Benyon as he stood drinking in the beer garden.

Detective Sergeant Antonio Civitillo said: “The victims were going about their business as usual when Benyon targeted them for his own perverted sexual gratification – causing them considerable shock and distress. We’re very grateful that they came forward to report these incidents and have been incredibly supportive of our enquiries to apprehend him. I’d also like to thank the pub staff who alerted us so quickly when they spotted him. Sexual offences on the railway network will never be tolerated and we will always do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.”

Police believe there could be more victims and are urging anyone who may have been targeted by Benyon to text BTP on 61016, using the reference Op Brennabor. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.