Train Attacker James Spencer Pleads Guilty to Assaults

TRAIN ATTACKER JAMES SPENCER PLEADS GUILTY TO ASSAULTS

A man assaulted his partner on a train - then headbutted a passenger who rushed to her aid.

James Spencer, of Bunny Park in Lockwood, appeared at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

He admitted the two assaults on July 28.

On that date Spencer and his partner Abbigale Sykes went on a day trip to visit family and friends.

Spencer, 29, got on the train at Lockwood while she had boarded earlier.

It was clear that he had been drinking and the couple started to argue.

James Weekes, prosecuting, said: “She (Ms Sykes) said that when alcohol becomes involved there’s a Jekyll and Hyde situation.

“They started arguing because he had been drinking (and) the defendant slapped her around the face.

“At that point Harry Slater became involved, a member of the public who intervened to protect Ms Sykes.

“The defendant turned and headbutted him.” Spencer then took Ms Sykes’ phone but was stopped by station staff as he got off the train.

As he left he ran his finger across his neck, which she took as a sign of further violence against her.

Spencer was arrested and admitted to police that drinking turns him into the “nastiest person in the world”.

His solicitor said that his drink problem has got worse recently.

Magistrates ordered a full report before sentencing him.

This will take place on September 4 and Spencer was banned from contacting Ms Sykes.