Yobs havoc on train shocked both rail

A trio of troublemakers from Coatbridge caused havoc on a train journey before targeting rail staff – with one of the yobs trying to punch a train driver on the head.

George Breen, 23, Ryan Costello and Steven Whitelaw, both 21 and from Hutchison Place, became boisterous and a nuisance on a train travelling from Dalmuir to Whifflet on March 5 last year.

All three shouted and swore, jumped on seats, ran through carriages and swung on railings to place other passengers in a state of fear and alarm.

When the train arrived at Whifflet station, Whitelaw, of Old Monkland Road, knocked a folder which contained paperwork from the hands of a male ticket examiner, causing it to fall to the ground.

Costello then approached the train’s male driver and attempted to punch him on the head before police were called to the scene.

The disruptive trio all pleaded guilty to their offences and sentence was deferred at Airdrie Sheriff Court until last week for reports examining their character.

But the background reports were unable to be assessed as the social work department hadn’t been able to compile them ahead of the yob’s date in the dock.

Sheriff Morag Galbraith informed them: “I will defer sentence for four weeks for the purpose of getting these reports.”

Breen, Costello and Whitelaw were all ordered to return to court on May 17.