Jail for man who terrorised members of the public and station staff – Midlands

A man has been jailed for 26 weeks after being racially abusive to rail staff and attacking station furniture in October last year, following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Terance Brown, 57, and of King Street, Leicester, appeared at Northamptonshire Crown Court on 5 May where he pleaded guilty to two counts of racially aggravated public order, possession of a bladed article in a public place, criminal damage and a section 4 public order offence.

On Monday 19 July, a judged sentenced him to a total of 26 weeks imprisonment. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £156.

Officers were called to Northampton railway station at 2pm on Wednesday 14 October 2020 following reports of a man being violent towards station staff.

Upon arrival, a member of rail staff informed officers that Brown had been racially abusive towards him and that he had damaged a portable barrier.

They headed to the station’s main concourse where they discovered Brown laying in the middle of the floor.

As the officers engaged with Brown, he became loud and argumentative before they arrested him on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and criminal damage.

He was subsequently searched and found in possession of a small knife, for which he was further arrested.

The officers proceeded to convey Brown to police custody when they were approached by a woman who stated that earlier that day Brown shouted “I’ve got corona, get back, I will spit on you” at her as he got off a service at the station.

Throughout the journey from the station to police custody, Brown continued to be racially abusive to officers.

When asked in interview why he shouted at the woman on the platform that morning, Brown responded “because I wanted to.”

Police Sergeant, Chris Woolley, said: “Brown’s behaviour on that day was erratic and completely unprovoked, he caused distress to a number of people at the station and no one should feel unsafe when travelling.

“We will not tolerate abuse on the railway network, whether it’s aimed at the public, rail staff or our officers. I am thankful to the courts for ensuring he spends his immediate future behind bars.

“If you’re a victim of, or witness to, behaviour of this nature on the railway, please report it to us by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40. In an emergency, always dial 999.”