Jail for man who assaulted rail worker – Manchester

A man who assaulted a female member of rail staff  at Manchester Victoria station has been jailed for 10 weeks.

 

Myles Amharic  Roberts, aged 34, of Bramhall Lane, Davenport, Stockport, pleaded guilty to assault at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, February 3, and received a 10 week custodial sentence.

He was also ordered to pay £100 compensation and was issued with a three year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

 

The court heard how, on Wednesday, February 2 Roberts, having departed his train, attempted to exit the platform using an overflow gate, avoiding the automated ticket machines on the exit barriers.

When he was spotted by his victim, a revenue protection inspector, she attempted to prevent his exit by locking the gate. Upset at being challenged, Roberts pushed her in the chest with force and continued to make his way from the station.

 

British Transport Police officers at the station were alerted and Roberts was arrested.

 

Chief inspector Lorna McEwan said: “The victim was simply doing her job and preventing ticketless travel on the rail network, a crime that in itself can lead to prosecution, a criminal record and a fine of up to £1,000 – it’s really not worth it.

 

“No one should be subject to violence or abuse like this while doing their job. The fact that Roberts thought it acceptable to take out his anger and frustration on his victim has landed him in prison and stands as a warning that there are consequences for behaviour like his.

 

“We do not tolerate any form of physical or verbal assault on rail staff, passengers or our own officers.”