A dodger attacked a Wigan rail worker when he was caught

Mr Spicer was seriously injured after the unprovoked attack at Wigan Walgate station and needed hospital treatment.

Chris Jackson, regional director of Northern, said: “This was a disgusting attack on a member of staff who was just doing his job helping customers.

“We will not tolerate abusive behavior of any kind towards our colleagues and we welcome the sentence handed down this week.”

Bandit Lucas has been in custody for more than two years.

News of the conviction follows Northern’s appeal in September for help in identifying the individuals behind more than 70 dangerous attacks on the company’s trains over the past year.

Since August 2021, services in the north of England have been affected by 42 bricks, rocks and stones thrown from bridges and railway embankments.

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The carriages also collided with 27 significant objects, including shopping trolleys, prams and bicycles, deliberately placed on the track.

Anyone who witnesses anything crime on the railway should contact British Transport Police immediately by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40. Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Adrian White, chief operating officer of Carlisle Support Services, added: “We were saddened to hear of the attack on Mr Spicer, no one should have to be exposed to this during their working day. Colin received full support from Carlisle and Northern Support Services during his recovery.

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“As part of our commitment to staff and public safety, Carlisle Help Desk will continue to provide thorough training to staff on conflict management and resolution.”