A FARE-DODGING thug who tried to attack a ticket inspector on board a train has been jailed – after initially being spared prison for the crime.

John Boyd assaulted the member of ScotRail staff on board a train from Ayr to Glasgow.

The 25-year-old was originally spared a jail term and instead put on a ‘restriction of liberty order’ confining him to his home between 7pm and 7am every night for four months.

But Ayr Sheriff Court was told last week that the yob had breached the terms of his curfew – and as a result he was locked up.

Boyd, of Newpark Crescent, Prestwick, had originally pleaded guilty to a charge of assaulting the ticket examiner on November 12, 2021.

He had also admitted threatening station staff and challenging them to fight during another train journey – this time between Irvine and Newton-on-Ayr stations on January 5, 2022.

At the time of the latter offence Boyd was the subject of three bail orders granted at Ayr Sheriff Court – and one from Paisley Sheriff Court too.

The procurator fiscal depute told last week's hearing: “The witness was a ticket examiner. At 7.55pm the witness found the accused lying on the floor of the train.

“Police were contacted for the accused’s welfare, and they agreed to meet train at the train at [Glasgow] Central station.

“During the journey the witness managed to rouse the accused, who then became abusive and began shouting and swearing at the witness, calling him a ‘f***ing p****’.

“The accused then attempted to punch the witness. In self defence, the witness struck the accused.

“The witness attempted to move out the carriage, while the accused followed.

“When the train arrived the police waiting could see the accused pursuing the witness. The accused was placed under arrest.”

Describing the January 5 incident, the fiscal depute added: “The witnesses were working for ScotRail’s safety team.

“In Irvine, one approached the accused, who was asked if he had purchased a ticket. When he stated he didn’t, he was asked to purchase one, and refused.

“When he was told police would be contacted, the accused became aggressive.

“He said “f*** off, I’m not buying a ticket”, adding “you’re all w***ers”, and a “bunch of a***holes”.

Boyd then challenged the railway worker to a fight before leaving the train at Newton-on Ayr.

When he appeared in court last week, Boyd admitted breaching his curfew order and was jailed for two months.