A MAN has been jailed for ten weeks for spitting at a shop worker at York railway station.

Anthony Cornwell, 24, was also ordered to pay £100 in compensation to his victim, who was working at the Whistlestop in the station at about 5pm on Saturday, November 22, when the incident occurred.

Cornwell, of Caernavon Close, Grangetown, Middlesbrough, appeared before magistrates in York on Thursday, where the court heard he verbally abused and swore at the member of staff before spitting at them.

British Transport Police officers patrolling the station were alerted to the incident, and found Cornwell waiting on platform five for a train to Middlesbrough, where he was arrested and later charged with assault.

Inspector Richard Price said: “We welcome this sentencing and hope that it sends out a strong message out that we will not tolerate this type of offensive, drunken and abusive behaviour on stations or on trains. The victim was extremely shaken following this unpleasant and violating assault.”

Earlier this year, BTP launched Operation Vanguard at York station on Saturday nights to protect staff from drunk or abusive passengers.

Insp Price said: “This is just not acceptable for other passengers and staff and we will be proactive in intervening in any issues. This is not about trying to spoil people’s fun or ruining their day out. It’s about educating people to be aware of their alcohol consumption and their behaviour when around other passengers.”