Theme Park Operator Pleads Guilty to Sexually Assaulting 19 Girls

A theme park ride operator has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting 19 girls, all under the age of 13. Josef Luke Hammond, 24, from Birmingham, admitted the offenses at Stafford Crown Court on Monday.

Concerns about Hammond's conduct were first raised after a girl reported that he had touched her inappropriately while she was at Drayton Manor Theme Park in Staffordshire. Hammond worked as a ride operator at the park from March 2024 to August 2024. Following the allegations, CCTV footage was reviewed, which led to his arrest.

He was granted bail ahead of his sentencing, which is scheduled to take place at the same court on December 11.

Staffordshire Police child protection team Det Insp Vanessa Furnival commended the bravery of the victims for coming forward and supporting the investigation. She also acknowledged the swift response from Drayton Manor staff, who immediately removed Hammond from his duties.

A spokesperson for Drayton Manor expressed that the park was "appalled" by the incidents, emphasizing that visitor safety, particularly that of children, is their highest priority. The spokesperson confirmed that as soon as concerns were brought to their attention, Hammond was suspended and subsequently dismissed from his employment. They also noted that safeguarding processes, including staff reference checks, CCTV monitoring, and in-person supervisor checks, were in place.

Police are urging any parents or guardians who suspect their child may have been a victim to contact them.