Drunk Southampton man headbutted staff at Portsmouth station

Bernard Hartnett appeared unsteady on his feet when he stumbled into Portsmouth and Southsea railway station carrying a crate of Budweiser before 9am, Portsmouth Crown Court heard.

A member of staff approached him and advised that he couldn’t travel in his intoxicated state, to which Hartnett replied, “it’s not **** fair.”

He became increasingly aggressive towards the staff member before headbutting him on the nose.

Portsmouth and Southsea railway station (Image: Google Maps)

He then grabbed hold of the victim and began pushing him towards the platform edge, causing the staff member’s knee to collapse as he fell to the floor.

As the victim lay on the platform Hartnett attempted to punch him before other members of rail staff rushed over and restrained him.

Police officers attended and arrested Hartnett, who began to struggle as they led him away.

As they did so, he bit into one of their police radios and refused to release it.

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When the radio was eventually freed, part of it had snapped off leaving its internal wires hanging from Hartnett’s mouth.

The member of staff was taken to hospital where he underwent surgery for a ruptured tendon in his knee.

He was required to wear a supportive leg brace for three months following the attack on August 8 last year.

Hartnett, of Challis Court in Southampton, appeared at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court in February this year where he pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm without intent and criminal damage.

He was due to attend court on April 14 for sentencing but failed to appear.

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Following an arrest warrant issued by the court, he was tracked down and today attended court where a judge jailed him for two years.

Detective Constable Phil James, investigating officer in the case, said: “Put simply, Hartnett’s actions that morning were appalling. No one should go to work and be subjected to violence or intimidation.

“We will always support those working on the railway and ensure anyone who does them harm faces the consequences of their actions. I hope the adequate prison sentence handed down to Hartnett brings some the victim some small comfort.

“If you witness violence or harassment directed at rail staff or passengers on the network, I urge you to report it to us by texting 61016. We have zero tolerance for this offending, and we’ll always take action.”