Boozy racist attacked railway station supervisor in ticket row

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Tuesday, February 23, how John Clarke, 52, of Spring Bank Road, Chesterfield, was caught travelling without a ticket on the Chesterfield to London train and was led away at Derby where he attacked the station supervisor.

Prosecuting solicitor Ian Shaw said: “The station supervisor Alan Davis was made aware of Mr Clarke and he located him on platform six and when he was asked if he had a valid ticket he said no.

“Mr Davis said they could not let the offence slide and he noticed Mr Clarke was unsteady on his feet and he said he was drunk and he grabbed the railing to steady himself.”

Clarke told Mr Davis he could “batter” him, according to Mr Shaw, and as the defendant was led over a concourse he swore at the station supervisor before reaching across his face and knocking his glasses off.

Mr Shaw added that the defendant then pushed Mr Davis against a railing and wall and he began scuffling with him before colleagues pulled Clarke to the ground.

One of Mr Davis’ colleagues who helped detain Clarke revealed that the defendant was swearing and shouting during the incident that he hated Pakistanis.

Mr Shaw added: “Clearly, Clarke accepts that he is a racist - and says he is racist. He made the comment which was strange because there was no one else involved in the incident who was anything other than white.”

Clarke, who has previous convictions dating back 35 years, pleaded guilty to travelling without paying a rail fare and to committing a racially aggravated assault after the incident on January 17.

Defence solicitor Denny Lau said: “Mr Clarke accepts there was disgusting behaviour displayed by him and when the CCTV footage was shown he admitted he was the male involved.

“He was shocked and sorry.”

Mr Lau added that Clarke has issues because of things that have happened in the past and he drinks alcohol to forget.

Magistrates sentenced Clarke to 12 weeks of custody suspended for 18 months with an Alcohol Treatment Requirement, a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and a Resolve Programme.

He must also pay £85 costs, £61.10 compensation and an £80 victim surcharge.

Magistrates warned Clarke that if he re-offends his suspended sentence could be activated and he could expect to go to prison.