Hull Station Predator Jailed After Targeting 14‑Year‑Old Boy

A repeat offender who propositioned a 14‑year‑old boy at Hull Paragon station has been jailed following a British Transport Police investigation.

Ben Puckering, 39, of no fixed address, was sentenced to 18 months in prison at Hull Crown Court on 2 April after admitting a charge of Inciting a Child to Engage in Sexual Activity.

The court was told that on 7 December last year, Puckering, who uses a wheelchair, approached the teenager as he walked through the station with friends. He then offered the boy money in exchange for a sexual act. The child was left visibly distressed and immediately sought help from station security, who alerted BTP officers.

Puckering was arrested shortly afterwards. During interview he refused to answer questions, remarking only that “there would be no witnesses”.

Investigators highlighted that Puckering has a long record of offending in and around the station, and that this latest incident was not his first conviction for similar behaviour.

BTP PC Natasha Hawley said:

“I would like to commend the victim for the courage and resilience he has shown in reporting Puckering’s crime and supporting our investigation. Cases of this nature can have a lasting impact, and I hope the sentence handed to Puckering provides reassurance that he has been held accountable for his actions and will remain off the streets for some time. Puckering has a long history of offending in and around the station and this is by no means his first conviction. He now has a long stint behind bars to rethink his disgusting behaviour. This case highlights the importance of speaking out – we take every report of sexual offending seriously and will stop at nothing to bring offenders like Puckering to justice. Victims or witnesses to offences on the rail network are urged to report it to BTP, either by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40."

Image: British Transport Police