A “LOUTISH” teenager spat on a train conductor and threatened to punch him in the mouth when he missed his train.

Aaron Biddle, aged 19, of St Philips Drive, Evesham, admitted a section four public order offence when he appeared before a judge in Worcester.

The court was told how the conductor was approached by two young girls who asked him to delay the departure of a train at Evesham station until their friends arrived during the incident on Friday, April 2, at about 5.50pm.

Matt Dodson, prosecuting, said the conductor told them he could delay the departure but only for 30 seconds, which he did, before he gave the signal to the train driver to leave the station.

Mr Dodson said: “The conductor describes two youths who came running onto the platform and tried to open one of the train doors. The conductor said, ‘Sorry but you’re too late’.

“The train began to move off and the defendant shouted at the conductor, ‘I will smack you in the mouth’ and he was then spat at. The spittle struck the back of his head.”

The conductor reported the matter and later saw Biddle at Worcester Foregate Street station.

Mr Dodson said: “He said he was angry with the guard who wouldn’t let him on the train. He admitted spitting on the man and threatening to punch him in the mouth.”

Biddle originally denied a charge of battery and was due to stand trial but admitted the lesser public order offence instead.

Ruth Edwards, defending, said: “I would like to make it absolutely clear that the spittle that landed on the conductor was not intended to hit him. His problem is that he goes out with his mates and drinks and loses his temper.”

District judge David Webster, passing sentence, said: “Those who work on the railways are entitled to carry out their occupation free from harassment, violence and loutish behaviour from people like you. Your actions that day were extremely foolhardy.”

Mr Webster also said Biddle was already subject to two court orders and had a history, over the last 12 months, of “violent and offensive behaviour”.

He handed him a 12-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months and ordered him to complete 60 hours of unpaid work and pay £100 court costs. No order of compensation was made for the conductor.

Your Worcester News was the only member of the media in court.