Train thug handed hefty sentence

Joshua Thomas Wells, aged 20, of Northwood, Worksop, was sentenced on Friday 9th September at Nottingham Crown Court after pleading guilty to robbery following an investigation by British Transport Police (BTP).

The attack took place on Thursday 4th August as the 23-year-old victim was travelling alone on the 7.55pm Nottingham to Worksop service when Wells and a companion, who boarded at Mansfield, approached him.

After engaging the victim in conversation, Wells, who was heavily intoxicated, told him to hand over his phone before grabbing hold of him, threatening him with violence, he then pressed his head against the window. The court heard how Wells’ violent tirade continued as he pinned the victim down to the carriage floor.

Fearing for his safety the victim managed to take out his smart phone and wallet, containing just £18, which Wells demanded he handed over.

The pair then left the victim lying injured on the floor as the train approached Worksop.

Following the circulation of CCTV images of two men to the media, officers had a great response from members of the public, and as a result both men were subsequently identified and arrested by BTP officers. Wells admitted to the offence, and was charged and pleaded guilty to robbery.

A 20-year-old man from Worksop, who was also arrested in connection with the incident, was later released with no further action.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Ian Grice said: “Wells was heavily under the influence when he carried out this violent, aggressive and targeted attack on a man travelling alone.

“His actions were unforgivable and left an innocent man fearing for his life.”

“When he was shown the overwhelming evidence, Wells was given no alternative but to plead guilty at court.”

“Although this kind of criminal behaviour is rare on the rail network, BTP take these incidents extremely seriously and we will continue to work closely with passengers, rail staff and the media to bring violent people like Wells to justice.”