Fare dodger who attacked railway worker at Wigan Wallgate station sentenced to 2 years and 4 months in prison

Michael Lucas attacked Colin Spicer, who works as a gateline officer for Carlisle Support Services on behalf of train operator Northern, on Sunday 6 February.

Mr Spicer was left with significant injuries following the unprovoked attack, for which he required hospital treatment. 

Chris Jackson, regional director for Northern, said: “This was a sickening attack on a member of staff who was just going about his work assisting customers.

“We will not tolerate abusive behaviour of any sort towards our colleagues and we welcome the sentence that has been passed down this week.”

Adrian White, chief operating officer at Carlisle Support Services, added: “We were saddened to hear about the attack on Mr Spicer, no one should be subjected to this when going about a days work. Whilst recovering, Colin received full support from Carlisle Support Services and Northern.

“As part of our commitment to ensuring staff and public safety, Carlisle Support Services will continue to provide rigorous staff training on conflict management and resolution."

The news of this conviction follows an appeal by Northern in September for the public’s help identifying the perpetrators of more than 70 dangerous attacks on its trains in the last 12 months.

Since August 2021, its services across the North of England were struck by 42 bricks, stones and rocks thrown from bridges and railway embankments.

Its carriages also collided with 27 ‘substantial items’ including shopping trollies, pushchairs and bikes deliberately placed on the track.

Anyone who witnesses any crime taking place on the railway should contact British Transport Police immediately by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40. Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with nearly 2,000 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.