A British Transport Police investigation has led to 28-year-old Bernard Hartnett, from Southampto,n to receive a two-year sentence after head-butting a member of rail staff and biting a police radio.

The 2nd of February saw Hartnett appear at Portsmouth Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to committing grievous bodily harm without intent and criminal damage.

On the 14th of April Hartnett failed to appear for sentencing and subsequently, an arrest warrant was put in place by the court. After being tracked down, Hartnett attended Portsmouth Crown Court on the 22nd of May where he received his sentence of 2 years imprisonment.

The incident took place on the 8th of August 2021 shortly before 9am when railway staff members saw Hartnett stumble into Portsmouth and Southsea railway station carrying a crate of beer.

Hartnett was approached by a staff member who informed him that he would not be able to travel due to his level of intoxication and he replied – “it’s not ******* fair” whilst becoming more aggressive and then headbutting the rail colleague on the nose.

Hartnett then grabbed the staff member, pushing him to the edge of the platform where the victim’s knee gave way and he fell to the floor. Mr Hartnet tried to punch the victim further as he lay on the floor as other rail staff raced to restrain the aggressor.

Police officers arrived shortly after and placed Hartnett under arrest to which he struggled again and as he was led away, bit into a police radio, refusing to let go. The radio was freed from Hartnett’s bite leaving it damaged as he had snapped off part of the equipment leaving internal wires hanging from Hartnett’s mouth.

The railway staff member was taken to hospital and had to undergo surgery as a tendon in his knee had ruptured which also led to him wearing a leg brace for three months.

Detective Constable Phil James, investigating officer in the case, said:n “Put simply, Hartnett’s actions that morning were appalling. No one should go to work and be subjected to violence or intimidation.”

“We will always support those working on the railway and ensure anyone who does them harm faces the consequences of their actions. I hope the adequate prison sentence handed down to Hartnett brings some the victim some small comfort.”

“If you witness violence or harassment directed at rail staff or passengers on the network, I urge you to report it to us by texting 61016. We have zero tolerance for this offending, and we’ll always take action.”