Attack after man seen acting strangely Thug punched and bit ticket collector on high-speed train

A ticket collector on a train was attacked and beaten up by a passenger in an unprovoked attack.

Anthony Driscoll was on duty on a train which had left St Pancras in London in February last year.

Canterbury Crown Court heard that as it neared Ashford International station he was made aware of a man acting strangely.

Prosecutor Trevor Wright said passengers had reported David Hussain-Porter dodging in and out of toilets and they suspected he was travelling without a ticket on the high-speed train.

He said that Hussain-Porter went to get off the train but the doors closed and Mr Driscoll then asked him for his ticket.

“The defendant claimed he had bought a ticket but couldn’t produce it. Mr Driscoll asked him for his details and the defendant gave him an address in Liverpool but no postcode.

“By this time the train was approaching Folkestone West Station and Mr Driscoll realised he wouldn’t have time to check the details and decided to let him get off the train.

“But without any provocation Hussain-Porter punched the ticket collector in the head and bit him. Mr Driscoll then grabbed the defendant and the two fell out on to the platform.

“With the help of a passenger, Kenneth Turrell, Hussain-Porter was restrained and the police were called, “he added.

Hussain-Porter admitted the assault and was ordered by the judge to receive treatment under the Mental Health Act.

Mukhtiar Singh, defending, said Hussain-Porter, who is homeless, was suffering from a schizophrenic related disorder and was hearing voices in his head.

He said: “This was a horrific attack and he has now shown remorse but doctors say his mental condition could deteriorate without help.”

Hussain-Porter was made subject to a Section 37 order under the Mental Health Act.

ASSAULT: Hussain-Porter was reported as the train neared Ashford