AN IRATE train passenger who tried to force his way into the driver’s cab to complain about the service became threatening when challenged by the female conductor.

Richard Milburn, 51, who was under the influence of alcohol, repeatedly swore at the woman.

At Carlisle’s Rickergate court, he pleaded guilty to using threatening words and behaviour during his evening journey on the Morpeth to Carlisle service on December 20 last year.

Prosecutor Peter Kelly outlined the facts.

He said the conductor in question was contacted by the train driver who reported that a passenger – the defendant – had tried to get into his cab while he was operating the train.

“In CCTV images, the defendant can be seen quite forcibly knocking on the door and at one point kicking out,” said Mr Kelly. As a result of the driver’s call, the conductor said she would investigate.

As the train arrived at Brampton, she located the defendant and asked him whether he had been attempting to get into the driver’s cab.

“He said yes, I have,” said Mr Kelly.

When she told him that such behaviour was not acceptable, he told her he was unhappy because when the train had stopped at Haltwhistle, the doors had not opened.  

The conductor told him this was not the case.

She said that the train had stopped in the usual way and passengers had got off or on the train at Haltwhistle.

“He demanded that an alternative arrangement would have to be undertaken,” said the prosecutor. As Milburn did this, he stepped close to the conductor, and repeatedly swore at her.

He also told her: “I’m going to fill you in.”

Other passengers who were nearby intervened on the conductor’s behalf, challenging Milburn. The conductor said his behaviour had left her fearing for her safety.

When he was interviewed by the police, Milburn repeated his claim that the train doors would not open at Haltwhistle and he accused the conductor of exaggerating what happened.

The court heard that the defendant, of Holmeside Crescent, Haltwhistle, had four previous public order convictions on his record but he had not been in trouble since 2010.

From the dock of the court, Milburn accepted that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident, saying: “I’ve not had a drink since Christmas. I want to apologise.

“It’s embarrassing.”

He again insisted that the train door had not opened and added that he suffered from anxiety.

District Judge John Temperley said the victim had been performing a public duty and was in a vulnerable position. “She could not get away; the train was moving and she was under a duty to keep other passengers safe,” he said.

He imposed a 12-month community order which will include 120 hours of unpaid work in the community. Milburn must also pay the conductor £100 compensation as well as £85 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.