A drunken man launched a vile racist and homophobic attack on train staff before spitting in a police officer's face. A court heard how Mohammad Hussain was spotted by a passenger in an 'intoxicated' state, making homophobic and racist comments on January 28.
British Transport Police attended and spoke to two of Hussain's victims, who were both rail staff. They told officers he had made 'vile and threatening' racist and homophobic comments towards them before threatening them with violence.
Once arrested, Hussain continued to make racist and abusive threats before spitting in the face of the custody officer. The incident occurred on a Northern rail service, in Blackpool.
READ MORE 'My partner got up off the sofa and went for a walk. He hasn't come home'
Hussain, aged 45, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to two counts of racially aggravated public order offences, one count of racially aggravated assault, one count of assaulting an emergency worker and two further public order offences. Following a British Transport Police investigation, he was sentenced to 38 weeks in prison and ordered to pay £157 compensation.
Investigating officer PC Pete Barrowcliff said: "Being intoxicated is never an excuse for abusive behaviour, let alone the vitriol and disgusting comments made by Hussain at three people who were simply doing their jobs. Now sober, Hussain must face the consequences of his foul, drunken outbursts."
Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern said: “The safety of our customers and staff is always our top priority. We have a zero tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour onboard our trains and in our stations.
“As part of Northern’s ongoing fleet upgrade, high-definition CCTV that can be monitored in real time by British Transport Police is being installed on its trains. Many of our staff also wear body worn cameras which are used to tackle anti-social or criminal behaviour.”
READ NEXT:
- 'I thought my daughter just had an insect bite - then just months after her 21st birthday she was dead'
- New images show stunning plans to redevelop 'eyesore' Deansgate hotel
- 'My little boy literally saved my life'
- Police delayed seeing tragic TV journalist for nine days after she reported domestic abuse... two weeks later she was found dead
- "See...what happens when you take the pi**"...texts of alleged 'mastermind' of fatal attack on Thomas Campbell