Nelson thug 'held up train and assaulted driver'

10:34pm Thursday 17th April 2008

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By Peter Magill »

A THUG who held up a train and attacked the driver has been told he could be jailed.

Hundreds of passengers were delayed after Asim Hussain, 31, of Railway Street, Nelson, started making trouble on the Blackpool North to Colne service.

Train staff tried to calm down Hussain, after they were alerted by passengers, and efforts were made to throw him off the train at Brierfield station.

But during a scuffle the train driver was punched in the face, according to British Transport Police.

Once outside the carriages the man climbed down onto the tracks and began to throw stones, situated between the lines.

Police issued an appeal for help and Hussain was later arrested and charged.

This week Hussain, when he appeared at Burnley Crown Court, admitted a charge of affray on board the 1.31pm Northern Rail service on October 26.

He was bailed to await pre-sentence reports and will be back in court on May 2.

Adjourning the case, Judge Pamela Badley said: "All sentencing options, including custody, are open.

"The fact I am extending your bail doesn't mean it is going to be a non-custodial sentence."

Transport police have now warned they will take tough action against anyone who attacks public servants.

Insp Dave Parker, of British Transport Police, said: "The incident must have been an distressing experience for passengers and staff on the train and platform at the time.

"British Transport Police won't tolerate this kind of disorder and behaviour. We take assaults on rail staff extremely seriously.

"Everyone has the right to be able to go to work with out fear or being attacked or abused in this way.

"We will arrest and prosecute those who commit such crimes."

A Northern Rail spokesman added: "We are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for both staff and passengers.

"We have a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour and we continue to work closely with British Transport Police and other colleagues to detain and seek prosecution of any person who assaults a member of staff or our customers."