A theme park ride operator has pleaded guilty to assaulting 19 girls, all under the age of 13. Josef Luke Hammond, 24, from Birmingham, admitted the offences at Stafford Crown Court on Monday.
Concerns were initially raised after a girl reported being touched inappropriately by Hammond at Drayton Manor Theme Park in Staffordshire. Hammond worked at the park as a ride operator from March 2024 to August 2024.
He was arrested following a review of CCTV footage. Hammond has been bailed ahead of his sentencing, which is scheduled for 11 December at the same court.
Detective Inspector Vanessa Furnival, from the Staffordshire Police child protection team, praised the bravery of the victims. She also acknowledged the rapid response from Drayton Manor staff, who removed Hammond from his duties immediately.