Published13 October 2026, 13:05 BST
A theme park ride operator has pleaded guilty to assaulting 19 girls, all under the age of 13.
Concerns were first raised about Josef Luke Hammond, 24, from Birmingham, after a girl told her parent he had touched her inappropriately while at Drayton Manor Theme Park in Staffordshire.
Hammond, who worked as a ride operator at the park from March 2024 to August 2024, was arrested after CCTV was reviewed.
He admitted the offences at Stafford Crown Court on Monday, and was bailed ahead of his sentencing date at the same court on 11 December.
Any parents or guardians who think their child may have been a victim have been urged to contact police.
Det Insp Vanessa Furnival, from the Staffordshire Police 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."
"I'd also like to recognise the rapid response from staff at Drayton Manor, who immediately removed Hammond from his duties," she added.
A spokesperson for Drayton Manor said they were "appalled" by the incidents, adding that visitor safety – particularly that of children – was of "highest priority".
"As soon as concerns were brought to our attention, the individual was immediately suspended and then dismissed from their employment," they added.
"We recognise the impact that such incidents can have on victims and their families, and we commend those who came forward and supported the investigation," they continued, explaining staff reference checks, CCTV and in-person supervisor checks were all carried out as part of safeguarding processes.
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