News

ABUSIVE PASSENGER SENT TO PRISON

23rd October 2006

A violent and abusive passenger has been sent to prison for an attack on a Northern Rail conductor.
 
Jamie Ross, Area Director, Northern Rail said: “We will not tolerate assaults on our staff, their safety and that of our customers is paramount.”
 
The incident happened during the evening of Tuesday 10 October.  Paul John Ideson, 22, from Todmorden, had boarded a York to Blackpool service at Hebden Bridge and verbally assaulted the conductor when asked to show his ticket.  On departing the train at Burnley, Mr Ideson punched the conductor in the face.  The British Transport Police subsequently arrested him.
 
Mr Ideson appeared in court and was sentenced to 120 days imprisonment for common assault.
 
Jamie added: “This sentence gives a clear message to anyone who thinks such behaviour is acceptable.  We will continue to work closely with British Transport Police to detain and seek prosecution of any person who assaults a member of staff or our customers.”
 
Inspector Gary Jones of British Transport Police said: “Assaults such as this on rail staff are completely unacceptable and remain a key priority for British Transport Police. The fact that the offender has received a custodial sentence should serve as a warning that these attacks will not be tolerated and BTP, alongside the CPS and the Courts, will do everything possible to ensure that offenders are brought to justice.”