Train lout told to behave or face five years in jail

Jamie Walker, aged 30, threatened the conductor after being asked to show his ticket on-board a train at Kidderminster Railway Station on May 25, 2015.

He was told to leave the train but Walker, of Cecilia Close, Kidderminster, refused and followed the conductor, threatening him with violence.

The conductor went to call the police and Walker fled the scene. However, he was already well-known to rail staff and police, who were quickly able to identify him as the suspect.

"We gave Walker numerous opportunities to come in voluntarily and tell us his side of the story," said Pc Rob Kelly from British Transport Police.

"But after failing to attend four interviews, it was clear he had no intention of cooperating and we arrested him in Kidderminster town centre on suspicion of committing a public order offence, which he denied," he added.

Police said CCTV footage from the train fully captured Walker's aggressive behaviour and he was subsequently charged with using threatening and abusive words in order to cause harassment, alarm and distress to the conductor.

Walker appeared before Kidderminster Magistrates' Court where he was convicted and handed a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

He was also given a community order, requiring him to take part in a 20-day rehabilitation requirement.

The CBO, which lasts for three years, prevents Walker from behaving in any way that causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress through aggressive, threatening or intimidating behaviour towards any person outside of his household.

He is also banned from loitering or sitting in any place to beg or ask people for money, drinking or being in possession of an open vessel of alcohol in any place where the consumption of alcohol is prohibited and going to or loitering outside Tesco on Castle Road and Warbler Place, Kidderminster.

Pc Kelly added: "Walker is a nuisance to local people and has been convicted of 33 offences in the last 12 years, including shoplifting, threats of violence, burglary, drug possession, assault and possession of bladed articles.

"We knew the courts would deal with Walker for the offence against the conductor - who was left distressed by what happened and in fear of his safety – and we are satisfied a long term solution to Walker's behaviour has also been sought.

"It is a criminal offence to breach an order and if Walker doesn't comply with the conditions, he could find himself behind bars for up to five years.

"We hope the CBO gives him an incentive to change his behaviour but should he continue to misbehave, we hope it gives local people the confidence to come forward, knowing there will be real repercussions for Walker."