Youth fined for spitting in tube station

A DISRESPECTFUL teenager who spat at a ticket booth and threatened a tube worker has been fined.

The 15-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct after spitting and threatening a staff member at Eastcote tube station.

Aidan Harris, manager of London Underground's Workplace Violence Unit, said: "The youngster asked for a child rate travel card but did not have any form of identification and was advised he would have to purchase an adult ticket.

"He then became abusive and left the station, only to return shortly afterwards to threaten the ticket seller and spit at the window of the ticket booth."

The youth from Northwood was tracked down through DNA following the incident on March 11 this year.

Staff used a DNA spit kit available at the station to collect the spittle and contacted the British Transport Police (BTP) who sent it for forensic testing. Results showed a DNA match and the teenager was arrested.

He was fined £50 at Harrow Youth Court on June 9 and ordered to pay £23 compensation to his victim.

Mr Harris said: "Hopefully this fine will make this youngster reconsider his actions in the future, especially as spitting is a foul habit and not something we will tolerate towards our staff."

PC Andrew Williams, of British Transport Police, said: "The fact that the member of staff retained the evidence, despite what had just happened, was crucial since the youth's DNA on the tissue allowed us to place him at the crime scene.

"Why he felt he had the right to spit at a member of staff who was simply doing his job is inconceivable. I hope that his conviction and sentencing sends out the clearest possible message that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated."