A MAN sexually assaulted a woman while his nephew racially abused a rail employee on the same train, a court has been told.

Jamie Davies, 38, and Jay Littlebury, 23, both of North Magdalene, Consett, County Durham, carried out the offences while on a Newcastle to King’s Cross train in March this year.

Davies pleaded guilty at Doncaster Magistrates’ Court to sexual assault and being drunk and disorderly in a public place, while his nephew, Littlebury, admitted racial harassment and being drunk and disorderly.

Davies was given a community order of 180 hours and ordered to pay victim compensation of £400, a victim surcharge of £60 and costs of £85. He was also made subject to a five-year notification requirement.

Littlebury was given a two-year conditional discharge for racially-aggravated harassment and being drunk and disorderly. He was ordered to pay victim compensation of £150, a victim surcharge of £15 and costs of £85.

The court heard the two men were arrested by British Transport Police (BTP) officers at Doncaster station on Friday, March 28.

Sergeant Stephanie Reynolds, of BTP Doncaster, said: “The train manager spoke to Davies and Littlebury after being told they were behaving drunkenly.

“When she asked for their tickets, Littlebury verbally abused her by making racial comments.

“While this was happening, Davies made his way through the carriage and touched another woman inappropriately.

“When he returned to his seat he began arguing and fighting with Littlebury and had to be restrained by an off-duty special constable and another passenger”.

She added: “The behaviour of both men was completely unacceptable and left both victims and other passengers in the carriage scared and upset.

“I hope this sends out a clear message that BTP will investigate all reports of racial harassment, sexual assault and violence on the railway and deal with them rigorously.”