Mastodawn

Football club distances itself from former director jailed for teen sex attack on train

Offence and conviction

McMurray, who was working as a train manager for GWR, assaulted the 18‑year‑old female passenger on a service to Swansea on 22 June 2024.

At his trial, Swansea Crown Court heard how McMurray, 38, repeatedly lied to police and attempted to blame the teenager for “coming on to him”. He was convicted by a jury of assault by penetration and sexual assault, and sentenced on 28 February 2025 to seven years in prison. He will serve at least two‑thirds of that term behind bars and will remain on the sex offenders register for life.

Role in local football

The court also heard McMurray had worked within youth football development in Swansea. At the time of the offence, he was serving as a director of Waunarlwydd Galaxy AFC.

Companies House records show he was appointed in July 2021 and resigned on 9 July 2024, shortly after his arrest.

Questions to the club

Swansea Bay News asked Waunarlwydd Galaxy to confirm McMurray’s role within the club while he was a director — specifically whether he had any direct involvement with youth training or activities, and when his involvement with the club ended.

We also asked whether McMurray was subject to the usual FAW/FA safeguarding checks, if any concerns were raised about his behaviour whilst a director, and whether the club has reviewed its safeguarding procedures in light of his conviction.

Club response

A spokesperson for Waunarlwydd Galaxy AFC said:

“Nicholas McMurray’s association with Waunarlwydd Galaxy AFC was terminated instantly following his arrest in accordance with our robust safeguarding measures. The club is active in following FAW safeguarding procedures, with all coaches and club members undertaking enhanced DBS checks.”

The club did not respond to the specific questions put to it.

Safeguarding context

The Football Association of Wales requires grassroots clubs to carry out enhanced DBS checks and safeguarding training for coaches, volunteers and officials.

Waunarlwydd Galaxy says it remains committed to those standards and emphasised that its safeguarding measures were followed when McMurray was arrested.

No safeguarding concerns have been raised about McMurray’s time at the club, and he had no previous convictions prior to his arrest.

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The original report on Nicholas McMurray’s conviction and sentencing at Swansea Crown Court.

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vicenta at KillBait Oct 16

Train Manager Jailed for Sexual Assault of Passenger in Swansea

Nicholas McMurray, a 38-year-old train manager from Swansea, was arrested and later jailed for seven years after sexually assaulting an 18-year-old female passenger on a Great Western Railway train. The incident occurred when the victim was speaking on her phone, and McMurray requested to check her ... [More info]

Editor Oct 15

Swansea train manager jailed for sexually assaulting teenage passenger

Nicholas McMurray, 38, was convicted at Swansea Crown Court of sexual assault and assault by penetration. He has been placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

The court heard how McMurray approached the young woman as she travelled alone on the evening of 22 June last year. While asking to check her ticket, he adjusted her dress and went on to sexually assault her.

The victim immediately reported the incident to British Transport Police (BTP) officers at Swansea station, where McMurray was arrested on the platform. Body‑worn camera footage of the arrest has now been released as part of a BBC investigation into sexual offences on the railways.

‘Completely abused his position’

Detective Constable Farrell of BTP said:

“McMurray completely abused his position and took advantage of this young woman. I would like to thank the victim for her courage and bravery throughout the police investigation. McMurray will now have to spend a considerable amount of time to reflect on the actions he took that day.”

During his arrest, officers placed clear bags over McMurray’s hands to preserve forensic evidence. In interview, he falsely claimed the victim had kissed him first and that his actions were consensual.

Judge’s remarks

Sentencing him to seven years in prison, Judge Huw Rees told McMurray he had preyed on a “vulnerable” teenager:

“You took advantage of an alone and vulnerable young woman to satisfy your sexual hunger.”

Custody image of former Great Western Railway train manager Nicholas McMurray, released by British Transport Police. (Image: BTP)

GWR response

Great Western Railway confirmed McMurray was immediately removed from duty. A spokesperson said he resigned during the disciplinary process, where dismissal was the likely outcome:

“As soon as we became aware of the incident, we took immediate action to remove the individual from duty. He no longer works for the business. This sentencing was only possible because of the victim’s immense courage in coming forward. Our thoughts remain firmly with her and her family.”

Wider concerns

The BBC investigation also revealed that sexual offences involving under‑18s on trains have trebled in the past decade, rising from 146 reports in 2015 to 443 in 2025. More than 2,900 reports were made over the past 10 years involving children.

#assault #BritishTransportPolice #ForensicEvidence #GreatWesternRailway #sexualAssault #sexualOffences #Swansea #Train #TrainGuard #TrainManager