Scissors-Wielding OAP Caged For Abusing And Assaulting Two Female Train Passengers

A scissors-wielding octogenarian, who racially abused a female train passenger and kicked another in the ankle because her foot was on a seat, has been locked-up.

John Chapman, 80, terrorised the women onboard a train between East Croydon and Stevenage on August 9, last year.

He was arrested that day, but jumped bail and was tracked down a month later at another train station – again armed with a pair of scissors.

Chapman, who lives in the heart of the West End in St. Martin's Lane, near Leicester Square received fifty weeks imprisonment when he appeared at Northampton Crown Court.

He pleaded guilty to one count of racially aggravated harassment; one count of assault and one count of possessing an offensive weapon.

The court heard how Chapman approached the first woman, while holding a pair of scissors and proceeded to racially abuse her.

An hour later on the same train, Chapman shouted at a woman to remove her legs from a seat before kicking her in the ankle.

He was met by police at Stevenage railway station and arrested.

He was found in possession of the scissors used to threaten the first woman.

After failing to answer his bail on November 6, Chapman was spotted by an officer at Wellingborough railway station a month later on December 6 and was arrested and found to be again in possession of scissors.

Sergeant Daniel Starling said: “There is absolutely no place for violent, abusive, intimidating, or racist behaviour on the railway network. 

“Chapman acted violently and erratically towards multiple women, so I’m extremely pleased with the result in this case.

“I want to thank the victims for their bravery in coming forward and providing us with the clear evidence we needed to secure Chapman’s conviction.”