Jail looms for attack on ticket inspector

“People who work for public services, such as ticket inspectors, have a right to be protected by the courts and not to be made subject to violence,” Deputy District Judge Robert Blake told student, Donald Usumari.

“You knew you were wrong on this occasion and you lost your temper because you were caught,” he said, finding Usumari guilty of assault, and using threatening and abusive words and behaviour.

Ticket inspector Matthew Bicknell told the court he was on duty at Charing Cross Tube station on September 2 last year when he heard a call for assistance from a colleague, David Norton.

Told by Mr Norton that he must pay the difference between a child and adult fare, Usumari of Tyers Street, Kennington, south London, replied with abuse and refused to do as asked.

He then pushed through the ticket barrier behind another passenger and tried to leave the station but was stopped by Mr Bicknell and Mr Norton. Usumari continued to abuse both men but began concentrating on Mr Bicknell.

He hit the ticket inspector in the face, knocking off his glasses. Mr Bicknell told the court: “I feared for the safety of myself and that of my colleague.”

The inspectors then put Usumari to the ground and restrained him for ten minutes until the police arrived, during which time he continued to struggle and abuse them.

Usumari denied assaulting Mr Bicknell or being abusive but on viewing CCTV evidence which clearly showed the three men struggling on the ground, Judge Blake said he believed the ticket inspectors’ evidence even though the cameras did not record the assault.

Usumari was bailed till February 12 and warned that he faced a prison sentence. Judge Blake also reminded him that he may be ordered to pay compensation to Mr Bicknell.

A London Underground spokesman said: “ We will always prosecute anyone who assaults or abuses any of our staff. Just like everyone else they have a right to do their job without fear of attack.”