Commuter jailed for attack

10:09am Wednesday 19th September 2001

A COMMUTER who threw a station attendant onto the railway line at Bromley South Station has been jailed for 18 months.

Frederick Coltman, aged 54, sent Phillip Hunt sprawling onto the rail tracks after missing his train on January 22 this year.

The unprovoked attack caused the victim to smash his head on the metal track minutes before another train pulled in.

Sentencing him at Middlesex Guildhall Crown Court, Judge Fabyan Evans told the Ramsgate plumber: “In a fit of anger because you had missed your train, you pushed a rail operative onto the track.

“It was a thoroughly reckless act and the jury reflected the view you didn't care one way or the other whether he had fallen on the track or remained on the platform.

“Had it not been for other rail staff, Mr Hunt could have been in great danger of being hit by another train.”

It emerged Coltman had previous convictions for threatening and abusive behaviour and damaging property in 1995 after he trashed his wife's car.

Speaking after the verdict Mr Hunt, 44, from West Dulwich, said: “I wanted to see a custodial sentence because that would be a deterrent, otherwise it would be a green light to do this sort of thing again.

“Other people will read this and think they could get the same.

“His face will always be in my mind because he wanted me onto the tracks.”

A Connex spokesman said: “We are pleased our zero tolerance policy towards assaults has been supported. This sentence sends out a clear message the courts will not put up with assaults of this nature. The perpetrators of these crimes are invariably caught and dealt with in a firm manner.”

During the trial a report commissioned by the Health and Safety Executive revealed attacks on railway staff have risen by 22 per cent over the past year and are now at a 30-year high.

A staggering 462 employees needed time off work and 32 were seriously injured after being attacked last year.

Chief Inspector of Railways Vic Coleman said: “Assaults on railway staff are outrageous and there is absolutely no excuse for them.

“Rail firms must train and support staff to tackle the problem.”

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