Drunk who made racist threats to station staff jailed

Tuesday, 7 March 2017 07:00

A drunken man made racist threats forced a member of station staff to lock himself in his office has been sent to prison.

Shortly after midnight on the 18^th of November last year, Dean Rothwell approached a member of station staff at Manchester Victoria enquiring about how he could get home as he had fallen asleep and missed his stop. Rothwell became aggressive and demanded that an empty train take him home after the staff member advised him that the last train has left and this was not possible.

Rothwell demanded to use a phone charge in the platform office but was advised by the member of staff to use a payphone. As he made his way to the payphone he become abusive and started shouting racist and personal insults at the member of staff who was forced to hide away from him.

The staff member then returned to his office, believing the coast was clear, but Rothwell returned and began shouting racist abuse, making threats and demanding to be let in, kicking and punching the glass door to gain entry.

Frightened and vulnerable, the staff member called British Transport Police to attend while Rothwell smashed a payphone at the station. When officers arrived Rothwell was arrested while kicking the glass door.

Dean Alan Rothwell, aged 38, of Mytholmroyd, pleaded guilty to racially motivated anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.

Dean was sentenced to 10 weeks in prison and was also ordered to pay £115 compensation.

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