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Northwood builder fined £100 for racially abusing Tube staff
A BUILDER who racially abused a member of staff on the Tube has been fined £100.
John Gallagher, 37, of Myrtleside Close, Northwood, became abusive at North Greenwich tube station after staff explained trains were no longer running at 12.40am on November 28 last year.
Aidan Harris, manager of London Underground's workplace violence unit, said: "The abuse became racial and Gallagher refused to leave the station.
"His behaviour was offensive and our employees deserve to be treated with respect at their place of work."
British Transport Police were called and later charged Gallagher with causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm and distress.
He admitted the offence at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on January 14 and in addition to the fine, was also ordered to pay £85 costs.
Mr Harris added: "Our staff are simply trying to do their job and the fine handed out illustrates how effective our efforts are to clamp down in such disorderly behaviour.
British Transport Police Inspector Kate Shaw, of the workplace violence unit, said: "There is absolutely no justification for Gallagher's racist behaviour.
"Tube staff have the right to go to work without the fear of abuse or violence and wherever possible we will build a case against offenders and see them have their day in court."
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