Ballymena, Northern Ireland – A man from Co Antrim faced a court appearance after launching an unprovoked attack on a conductor who ejected him from a train for vaping. Stephen Weldon, 34, displayed anger in court as a judge denied his request for bail at Ballymena Magistrates Court.
The judge highlighted that Weldon made full and frank admissions, removing any presumption of innocence in his case. The assault on the public servant providing public transport was described as unwarranted by the judge, who noted the terrifying experience it must have been for the victim.
Weldon, a resident of Inniscarn Drive in Newtownabbey, faced charges of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, criminal damage to the victim’s mobile phone, and damage to Translink property on May 8th. A detective constable recounted that the defendant was asked to disembark the train to Larne for vaping, leading to the violent altercation at Magheramourne halt.
Witnesses revealed how Weldon violently attacked the conductor, kicking him and causing him to fall before dragging him off the train for further assault. The victim suffered multiple blows to his head and face before police arrived and arrested Weldon, who had live-streamed part of the assault.
Following the incident, Weldon admitted that frustration over a long commute to work led him to snap. Despite initial fears of a fractured jaw, the victim was diagnosed with chipped teeth, bruising, and abrasions. Weldon was remanded into custody by District Judge Broderick, with the case set to reconvene on June 6th.