Nathan Bisungu, 27, was convicted of two sexual assaults and six counts of outraging public decency at Woolwich Crown Court.
The sex offender boarded buses across Bromley, Lewisham and Southwark, then sat next to a lone woman and touched himself.
He would often ask personal questions or stare at the women, whilst on two occasions he sexually assaulted women by touching their legs.
One victim said: “It has made me feel violated, degraded, dirty and disgusted. I should not have to call my dad to come and get me as an adult because of a disgusting man next to me touching himself… I should never have to experience anything like this.”
Another woman said: “Since that day I have not felt like myself. I experience anxiety attacks. I live in constant fear that somebody might try to hurt me again. This fear sits heavily on my chest every time I step outside.”
On one occasion he entered a women’s hair salon in Orpington and masturbated whilst asking personal questions of a member of staff, the court heard.
A customer said she feared for her life as there were scissors everywhere and Bisungu was acting in such a disturbing manner.
Jason Cross, defending, said his client does not have a mental health diagnosis but is “significantly on the spectrum”.
“What was going on was not deliberately designed to intimidate and cause stress – though of course it did, I don’t minimise that – but it was a young man in crisis,” Mr Cross said.
He said his client, who was being held in prison awaiting sentence, is doing better now that he is medicated.
Recorder Steven Kovats KC said that with no proposal for how Bisungu’s mental health could be managed in the community, he could not send him back onto the streets immediately.
“I’ve got no choice, realistically, but to send you to prison,” Recorder Kovats said.
“I know that seems harsh, but I hope it will be to your benefit as it will give the health authorities time to plan for your release.”
Bisungu, formerly of Sydenham, was sentenced to two years and three months in custody.
