High-risk offender accused of assaulting Skytrain attendant

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — A Surrey man police warned the public about last year has been charged with assaulting a Skytrain attendant last weekend.

Twenty-nine-year-old Howard Geddes Skelding is alleged to have rubbed his genitals before entering an employee crew room at Braid Skytrain Station on Sunday.

He’s accused of punching the attendant in the stomach and head, and pulling her hair.

Sgt. Clint Hampton with Transit Police says Geddes Skelding is no stranger to law enforcement.

“He has been the subject of multiple public warnings, and is very well known to police. In addition Transit Police have recommended several other charges, including sexual assault, committing an indecent act, forcible confinement and robbery.”

Geddes Skelding has had to face several charges of indecent exposure in the past. Last year, the RCMP warned he posed a high-risk to re-offend, after being released from jail for sex offences.

In that warning, the Mounties said he had been known to approach women and expose himself to them, then sexually assault them. At the time, he had just completed a two-year sentence for sexual assault and indecent acts. He was to abide by conditions for the next three years.

Hampton says the unnamed attendant was pulled to the floor, but managed to get close to the door.

“She was eventually able to open the crew room door, as he continued to try to pull her back in, before she was finally able to free herself.”

Hampton says she is to be commended for her bravery.

“Not only was she able to fight off this attacker, but she was also simultaneously able to use her radio effectively, which allowed for a quick police response.”

Geddes Skelding was remanded in custody and his next court appearance is scheduled for August 11.