Full Breakdown
Birmingham Ride Operator Pleads Guilty to Assaulting 19 Girls
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Josef Luke Hammond, a 24-year-old from Birmingham, worked as a ride operator at Drayton Manor theme park in Tamworth from March to August 2024. After a girl reported inappropriate touching, staff removed him from duties and police arrested him the same day. Following an investigation that uncovered “overwhelming evidence,” Hammond admitted to 19 counts of assaulting girls under the age of 13. He entered a guilty plea at Stafford Crown Court on October 12. The court released him on bail, with a sentencing hearing scheduled for December 11 at the same venue.
Background & Context
The alleged offences came to light in August 2024 when a victim disclosed the abuse to a parent. Theme-park employees flagged the report, prompting a review of CCTV footage that confirmed the allegations. Staffordshire Police’s child-protection team then took Hammond into custody and began a broader inquiry that identified a total of 19 victims within the six-month employment period.
Official Statements & Responses
Detective Inspector Vanessa Furnival of Staffordshire Police’s child-protection unit highlighted the victims’ courage in coming forward and commended the rapid response by Drayton Manor staff in removing Hammond from his role. She urged any parent or guardian who suspects a child may have been affected to contact police directly, noting that calls can be made to 101 for confidential assistance from specialist officers.
Data & Statistics
- Age of offender: 24 years
- Employment period: March – August 2024
- Number of victims: 19 girls, each under 13 years old
- Charges pleaded: 19 counts of sexual assault by touching
- Court dates: Guilty plea on October 12; sentencing set for December 11
What’s Next
The sentencing hearing on December 11 will determine Hammond’s punishment. Authorities have indicated that the case may prompt reviews of safeguarding procedures at amusement-park attractions, though no specific policy changes have been announced.
