Jail For Homeless Yob Who Tried To Spit On Tube Staff

A fare-dodging thug, who fought with tube staff and tried to spit on them after forcing his way through the station barriers, has been locked-up.

Homeless Richard Macken, 27, flashed his middle finger at Embankment station staff when challenged at 5pm on March 7 and tried to fight them while shouting violent threats.

He spat at staff twice, missing both times, spat at the control room window then lobbed tube maps around the station before leaving.

Staff used specialist kit to collect Macken’s spit from the window. 

It was analysed and Macken was identified and arrested.

He pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates' Court to one count of common assault and was sentenced to eight weeks imprisonment.

PC Steve Russell of the London Underground Staff Assaults team said: “Macken’s behaviour was intimidating and chaotic. 

“He tried hard to spit at staff in the middle of a pandemic, threatened them and caused a mess in the station.

“They were just trying to do their jobs in what was and still is a difficult time.

“Thankfully, their quick thinking ensured they used a spit kit to collect key evidence which helped identify Macken. 

“These kits are excellent in tracking offenders who try wielding their spit as a weapon to create fear and concern.”