The 1st of June saw Callum Rutherford of Lancaster, found guilty at Preston Magistrates’ Court on two counts of assaulting an emergency worker, and one count of being drunk and disorderly alongside committing a public order offence.

Rutherford received an eight-month sentence following a British Transport Police investigation.

The incident took place on Tuesday the 30th of May and saw a train manager call for assistance to the supervisor at Preston station, who in response witnessed 29-year-old Callum Rutherford’s aggressively shouting at the train manager and making threats.

The supervisor attempted to calm Rutherford, however, then became the subject of his vile abuse and threats.

The supervisor, who was concerned for his safety because of ongoing threats of violence, contacted British Transport Police.

Rutherford became instantly aggressive to the police officers and was promptly arrested and whilst being escorted to the police van, spat at officers whilst refusing to enter the vehicle, following which a struggle ensued and an officer’s hand was trapped in the cell door.

In custody, Rutherford continued his barrage of offensive abuse and threats to the police officers before spitting in the face of an officer on watch duty in order to prevent him from harming himself.

Inspector Pete Wilcock said: “Being drunk or under the influence is no excuse for disgusting behaviour like this. Violence and abuse of our officers and people who work on the rail network will not be tolerated.”

“Police officers work tirelessly to serve the community and they and rail staff come to work to ensure people are kept safe.”

“I am extremely grateful for the hard work of my team to bring this dangerous offender to justice and for putting themselves in harm’s way. Both officers were back on duty the next day despite suffering injuries and being exposed to potential contamination from saliva.”

British Transport Police continues its work against anti-social behaviour onboard trains and at stations and last year saw a campaign launched to raise awareness of what people can do if they experience ASB.