A 32-year-old man has been sentenced after assaulting a stranger on board a train travelling to Grange-over-Sands.
Benjamin Nessling, aged 32, of Far Sawry, Ambleside, pleaded guilty to assault (Actual Bodily Harm) at an earlier hearing on Tuesday 3 January.
Yesterday, (27 March) at Preston Crown Court, he was sentenced to 15 months in prison suspended for 24 months.
He was also ordered to complete 180 days unpaid work and must pay his victim £500.
The court heard how on Sunday 20 February 2022 at around 8pm the victim, a 26-year-old man, made his way to the train toilet.
He was followed by Nessling who forced his way into the toilet while the victim was inside with the door closing behind him.
When the toilet door reopened around two minutes later Nessling was seen to repeatedly punch the victim to the head. When the victim fell to the floor Nessling continued his attack, kicking him and stamping on his head, leaving the victim unconscious.
A female passenger who witnessed the attack managed to intervene resulting in Nessling returning to his seat.
The victim was taken to hospital with a burst blood vessel in his eye, a black eye and swollen head.
Investigating officer PC Ben Griffiths said : “This was a horrific and unprovoked attack.
“I would like to commend the brave actions of the witness who intervened and potentially prevented the victim from suffering further injury.
“So violent was Nessling’s attack that she was left shaken and in tears by what she witnessed and still has nightmares about the incident.
“Behaviour like this is abhorrent and we will do everything in our power to bring those responsible before the courts.”
