MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO CHILD SEX OFFENCES

MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO CHILD SEX OFFENCES

A man has pleaded guilty to 19 child sexual offences at Drayton Manor Theme Park.

Josef Luke Hammond, 24, of Birmingham, appeared at Stafford Crown Court yesterday (Monday 12 October) and admitted 19 counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching.

Hammond was a ride operator at Drayton Manor when the offences took place. He was first brought to our attention in August 2024 after a girl told her parent that Hammond had touched her inappropriately.  

After flagging this with staff at the theme park, CCTV was reviewed and Hammond was immediately sent home, and the police were informed. On the same day, the suspect was arrested and brought in for questioning.  

Following an investigation, we found that Hammond had sexually assaulted 19 victims. 

Faced with the overwhelming evidence in court, Hammond was left with no choice but to admit to all of the offences. 

He has now been bailed ahead of his sentencing date at Stafford Crown Court on 11 December.

Detective Inspector Vanessa Furnival, from our child protection team, said: “I’d like to recognise the bravery of the victims in this case who have all shown immense courage in coming forward and supporting us with our efforts to secure this outcome today. 

“I’d also like to recognise the rapid response from staff at Drayton Manor, who immediately removed Hammond from his duties. While we’re pleased to secure this conviction, we would advise any parents or guardians who think their child may have been a victim to get in touch with the police directly.”   

Hammond was a ride operator from March 2024 to August 2024. 

Call us on 101 or report online using our website where you can speak to specialist officers in confidence.