A former employee of Drayton Manor theme park has pleaded guilty to child sexual offences in court.

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

The former ride operator worked at Drayton Manor theme park from March 2024 to August 2024 when he was first brought to the attention of police after a girl told her parent that Hammond had touched her inappropriately.

An investigation by Staffordshire Police found that Hammond had sexually assaulted 19 victims.

Due to an overwhelming amount of evidence in court, he admitted to all of the offences.

Drayton Manor were approached for comment and said: "We are appalled by the offences admitted by a former employee in court yesterday.

"The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, particularly children and young people, is our highest priority.

"As soon as concerns were brought to our attention, the individual was immediately suspended and then dismissed from their employment.

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"We worked closely with the Police throughout their investigation.

"Our thoughts are with those affected and we continue to offer them our unwavering support.

"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.

"Drayton Manor has robust safeguarding policies and procedures in place including staff reference checks, CCTV coverage across the resort supported by in-person supervisor checks and comprehensive staff training.

"We remain committed to continually reviewing and strengthening our policies, procedures and training to ensure Drayton Manor remains a safe environment for all visitors."

Hammond is currently on bail ahead of his sentencing date at Stafford Crown Court on 11 December.

Header images via Staffordshire Police/David P Howard on Geograph.