A THUG was jailed for assaulting a police officer at a railway station after he was caught trespassing on the tracks.

Anthony Paul Taylor, 37, assaulted Connor David at Ebbw Vale Parkway last week, on Thursday, June 30.

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Newport Magistrates’ Court heard the incident was “carried out in front of members of the public” and the defendant has an “extensive” record of previous convictions.

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It was his 11th offence of assaulting an emergency worker.

Taylor, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer, trespassing on a railway line and public disorder.

The defendant was jailed for 35 weeks.

After his release from prison he was ordered to pay his victim £100 in compensation on top of a £154 surcharge.

Following Taylor’s sentence, Inspector Michael Jones, from British Transport Police, said: “Attacking and abusing our officers will never be tolerated on the rail network.

“I am thankful to the courts for handing down a custodial sentence to Taylor for assaulting our officers and trespassing on the railway line.

“Stepping on the tracks is extremely dangerous and we’ve seen first-hand the tragic consequences that can occur from doing so.

“If you witness anyone trespassing, please report it to us by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 – in an emergency, always dial 999.”