A MAN who racially abused staff at Coventry Station and assaulted a police station detention officer has been jailed for 26 months.
Sean McCabe, 24, of Dormer Harris Avenue, Coventry, was approached by British Transport Police officers at Coventry Station on July 11 and spoken to about the need to wear a face covering unless exempt.
He became verbally abusive and was asked to leave the station.
After failing to do so he was arrested.
During his arrest he attempted to discard an amount of cannabis and was further arrested for possession with intent to supply.
While being searched, McCabe racially abused two members of rail staff and, on arrival at police custody, he told a detention officer that he ‘had Covid’ and deliberately coughed in their face.
At Warwick Crown Court he pleaded guilty to two racially aggravated public order offences, assaulting an emergency worker and possession of a class B drug with intent to supply and received the jail term.
Sgt Matt Hull of British Transport Police said: “McCabe’s behaviour towards both rail and police staff was completely abhorrent, so I hope they can take some comfort in the fact he’ll now be spending a significant amount of time behind bars.
“Hopefully McCabe can now use that time to reflect upon his behaviour.
“Everyone has the right to go to work without fear of abuse or intimidation, and we take all reports of hate crime seriously.
“I’d encourage anyone who experiences such behaviour, or any other crime, to text us discreetly on 61016.”
Hate crime awareness week takes placed next week, starting October 12.
People can also report incidents online where advice is also available.
