AN ABUSIVE plumber has been fined for disorderly behaviour at Uxbridge tube station.

On 6 May this year, at 8.15am Samuel Papa-Kyriacou tried to exit Uxbridge tube station, but was unable to because he only had an 'off-peak' travelcard.

He was directed by staff to the assistance window but he returned shortly afterwards and tried to force his way through the manual gate, without any luck.

An off-duty police officer helped him get a ticket, but afterward Mr Papa-Kyriacou, 21, was rude and abusive to the member of staff before leaving.

Mr Papa-Kyriacou, of Lavender Hill, Clapham, was fined £300 and convicted of disorderly behaviour at Uxbridge Magistrate's Court.

Aidan Harris, manager of London Underground’s workplace violence unit, said: "Our staff are simply trying to do their job and should be treated with respect, not be subjected to verbal abuse.

"We take all abusive behaviour towards our staff seriously, which is why we work in conjunction with the British Transport Police to ensure we track down aggressors and bring them to justice."

British Transport Police Inspector Kate Shaw, of the workplace violence unit, said: "While the member of staff was not injured during this incident, it was a very intimidating and unpleasant experience.

"There is absolutely no justification for this kind of verbal abuse and wherever possible we will build a case against offenders and see them have their day in court.

"I hope the victim will feel some justice has been served for this offensive and unacceptable behaviour."