A man in his 20s 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 the theme park and was first brought to the attention of police in August 2024 after a girl told her parent that Hammond had touched her inappropriately.

After flagging the incident to staff at the theme park, CCTV was reviewed and Hammond was immediately sent home, and the police were informed.

He was then arrested and brought in for questioning that same day.

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

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

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

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Detective Inspector Vanessa Furnival, from Staffordshire Police's 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.

To make a report and speak to a specialist officer in confidence call 101 or visit the Staffordshire Police website.