Woman jailed for eight months after spitting at nurse on journey home from work

A woman who spat in the face of a nurse at Penmaenmawr railway station has been jailed for a total of eight months, following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Jane Kelly Brown, 26, and of Bryn Eglwys, Conwy, pleaded guilty to assault and was sentenced at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court on Monday 13 September.

Brown was handed a 10-week sentence for the assault, which increased to a total of 32 weeks for a Breach of a Suspended Sentence Order. She was also ordered to pay £200 in compensation.

The court heard how at around 8pm on Friday 2 April, Brown made a derogatory remark towards the victim – a nurse travlling home from a shift – about what they were wearing, on board a Transport for Wales service.

While seated, the victim overheard Brown having a loud conversation with a man about collecting cocaine, while she was drinking a bottle of wine. Concerned, the victim found a private vestibule to call the police.

As the train arrived at Penmaenmawr railway station, the victim alighted the service along with Brown. Brown targeted them and started asking ‘What’s your problem?’ The victim tried to walk away, but Brown blocked their exit.

Brown proceeded to spit a mouthful of wine in to the victim’s eye and face.

A member of rail staff, who witnessed the incident, called the police and brought the victim on to the train to check their welfare. Brown was later identified from CCTV on board the train. After initially denying spitting at the victim, Brown changed her plea to guilty during the trial.

Investigating officer, Jon Liptrot, said: “Spitting at an innocent passenger on their way home from a shift as a key worker, in the middle of a pandemic, is absolutely disgusting behaviour. This type of behaviour will not be tolerated on the railway and we’re grateful to the sentence imposed by the courts.

“I’d like to thank the train guard for their quick-thinking and for supporting the victim until the police arrived and to highlight the bravery of the victim and witness for standing up to such unacceptable behaviour. Our nurses have a hard-enough job, never mind having to be subjected to awful incidents like this.

“Thankfully, incidents like this are rare, but if you do experience any issues on the railway, please report it to us by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40. In an emergency always call 999.”