Theme park ride operator admits sexually assaulting 19 girls under 13

Mixed · 2Josef Luke Hammond, 24, from Birmingham, pleaded guilty at Stafford Crown Court on Monday 12 October to assaulting 19 girls, all under 13. 1 2 Mixed · 2Hammond worked as a ride operator at Drayton Manor Theme Park in Staffordshire from March 2024 to August 2024. 1 2 Mixed · 2Concerns were first raised when a girl told a parent that Hammond had touched her inappropriately at the park. 1 2

Mixed · 2CCTV was reviewed and Hammond was arrested. The Express says the park sent him home after reviewing the footage and that he was arrested and questioned the same day. 1 2 Mixed · 2Hammond was bailed, and he will be sentenced at the same court on 11 December. 1 2 Mixed · 2Det Insp Vanessa Furnival of Staffordshire Police's child protection team praised the victims' bravery and 'immense courage' in coming forward. She also praised Drayton Manor staff for removing Hammond from his duties immediately. 1 2

Mixed · 2Police have urged any parents or guardians who think their child may have been a victim to contact them directly. 1 2 Mixed · 2A Drayton Manor spokesperson said the park was 'appalled' and that child safety is its highest priority. They said Hammond was immediately suspended and then dismissed once concerns were raised. 1 2 Mixed · 2The park cited safeguarding measures including staff reference checks, CCTV and in-person supervisor checks. The Express adds that the spokesperson also mentioned staff training. It reports the park offering 'unwavering support' to those affected and promising to keep reviewing its policies. 1 2