PASSENGERS on a packed commuter train stood by and did nothing as a 15-year-old girl was abused and assaulted by a drunken woman.

Blackburn magistrates heard the terrified girl endured the attentions of burly Yvonne Maynard for about eight minutes.

And she told police she had felt angry that nobody came to her assistance despite everyone being able to see clearly what was going on.

Maynard, 51, of Belvedere Road, Salford, pleaded guilty to assaulting the girl.

She was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report with a warning that custody would be an option for the sentencing bench.

Peter Wilde, prosecuting, said the girl got on the train just before 6pm heading home to Whalley.

As she and a male friend walked down the carriage they passed the toilet and, through the open door, saw Maynard on the toilet.

Maynard, who was extremely drunk, followed them down the carriage, leaned against a seat and started staring at the girl.

“The girl tried to ignore her and moved away but the defendant followed and started shouting in her face,” said Mr Wilde.

“She then grabbed her by the hair and gripped her leg with the other hand.

"The girl was shouting at her to get off and Maynard then grabbed her clothes and started to shake her.”

Mr Wilde said the incident lasted about eight minutes and there was no sign of a guard during the journey.

Andrew Church-Taylor, defending, said Maynard had an alcohol problem and when she used public transport was quite often the subject of ridicule, abuse and violent behaviour by youths.

“On one occasion they thought it would be funny to set her hair on fire,” said Mr Church-Taylor.

“She perceived these young people were going to be cruel to her and she reacted aggressively.”