A female train conductor who was attacked by a drunk at Rosyth Station may never return to her job, a court has heard.
The conductor had gone to speak to the driver when, suddenly and for no reason, she was viciously kicked by 55-year-old chef William Brown, who had been on a drinking session.
Brown, of Glaskhill Terrace, Penicuik, admitted that on January 24 at Rosyth Railway Station he assaulted a woman while in the course of her employment by kicking her on the body, to her injury.
He also admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by repeatedly shouting, swearing, uttering threats of violence and homophobic remarks.
Depute fiscal Ruaraidh Ferguson told Dunfermline Sheriff Court yesterday the train had stopped at Rosyth and the conductor got off, intending to speak to the driver.
Brown was standing on the platform and as the conductor walked by, he kicked her on the knee, causing her to fall back against the train.
Brown then shouted at the train driver: “I will take you off the train and f****** kill you.”
When the police arrived Brown shouted a stream of abuse, including homophobic remarks and comments about them being child abusers.
The court heard Brown had been drinking with friends in Cowdenbeath and his recollection was affected by the amount he had consumed. He was said to be extremely remorseful and embarrassed by his actions.
Mr Ferguson said the victim sustained severe bruising in the attack. He added: “She still suffers pain from her knee and this has prevented her from returning to work.”
He said because of the “emotional stress” caused, the victim was not sure whether she would continue to work in the rail industry.
Sheriff Craig McSherry told Brown: “Even allowing for you being a first offender, it was very much in my mind to impose a custodial sentence.”
The sheriff said if he did that, however, Brown could lose his job and the victim would not receive compensation for her injury. He instead imposed a compensation order of £1,500 and fined Brown £600.