A MAN who launched a tirade of abuse at a train conductor has been jailed.

Harry Roberts, 19, carried out an expletive-laden rant on the Glasgow to Ayr train on December 13.

Kilmarnock Sheriff Court heard last week how Roberts and another man were passengers on the 3pm train.

A witness became aware of Roberts swearing repeatedly during the journey.

As the train passed Johnstone, Roberts was said to have repeatedly used the word “f***ing”.

However, things took a nasty turn as the ticket inspector approached Roberts.

The conductor had a conversation with Roberts about his behaviour but this proved futile as Roberts continued to swear.

But the conductor was soon to be on the receiving end of a string of violent threats.

Roberts said: “I’ll smash your face in. I’ll pull you off the train you speccy b*****d”.

He later added: “I’ll jump on your head.” Roberts continued his abusive behaviour, repeatedly uttering the phrases “speccy b*****d” and “go f*** yourself” to the conductor.

The conductor called the police who boarded the train upon its arrival at Kilwinning Railway Station.

He was arrested and taken to Saltcoats Police Station.

Roberts, no fixed abode, appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week and pled guilty.

His solicitor, Simon Brown, told the court how Roberts has an “unenviable” record for a man his age.

He revealed that Roberts has had problems with alcohol through binge drinking and had been out drinking before the incident occurred.

Mr Brown added that the incident was “unfortunate” because Roberts had taken positive steps to curb his drinking by attending several support sessions on his release from prison earlier this year.

But after careful deliberation, presiding Sheriff Alastair Watson believed there was only one option.

He said: “On one hand I have regard to your age and it gives me concern that you have spent so much time in custody at such a young age.

“But this was a very serious and sustained course of abuse to the man who was trying his best to do his job.

“It was a busy train and people cannot escape on a train from this kind of disturbance like they could on the street.

“And of course you had only just been released early on the condition of good behaviour.

“I see no alternative but to deal with this by way of a custodial sentence.” Roberts was sentenced to four months in prison.

But rather than face the decision in silence, a visibly upset Roberts took his frustration out on a G4S security guard.

Whilst still in the dock, he said: “Want to hurry up?”.

He then added whilst walking down the stairs: “Who the f*** do you think you’re talking to?”.