Man ‘hurled racist abuse’ at station
DEFENDANT, 31, DENIES THEFT, THREATS AND LASHING OUT AT POLICE
A MAN ordered to leave Huddersfield Railway Station for not showing a ticket assaulted a member of staff and hurled racist abuse, a court heard.
The lengthy episode occurred on September 1 when Robert Walton attempted to pass through the barriers, Kirklees magistrates were told.
Prosecutor Robert Yates said that the 31-year-old was asked to show his ticket to a member of staff and became abusive, telling him that he was going to Dewsbury and there was nothing that he could do about it.
Mr Yates said that he was then asked to leave but refused, pushing a staff member and threatening to smash up the station.
The prosecutor told magistrates that he then climbed over a fence and out of the station but returned later.
Mr Yates said that Walton was abusive towards staff, using homophobic language and shouting racist language towards members of the public. It is then alleged he walked into the Newstrack shop inside the station and stole a packet of Haribo and some crisps.
Police were called and while they were arresting Walton he kicked out at one of the officers, Mr Yates said.
Walton pleaded not guilty to charges of assault, theft, threatening behaviour, raciallyaggravated threatening behaviour and assaulting a constable in the execution of his duty.
Magistrates said that his trial will be held at the Huddersfield court on May 13. Walton, currently residing at a drug and alcohol treatment facility in Sheffield, was granted unconditional bail in the meantime.