'Alpha male' train-attack accused 'saw red'

The incident happened onboard a Larne-bound train earlier this month

A 34-year-old man who allegedly assaulted a train conductor earlier this month wanted to show he was "the alpha male", the High Court has heard.

Stephen Weldon of Inniscarn Drive in Newtownabbey is accused of kicking and punching a Translink employee after being ejected from a Larne-bound train for vaping.

Prosecutors said he chipped five of the conductor's teeth and shared a video of the aftermath of the attack on social media.

He faces charges of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and two counts of criminal damage.

'A despicable act'

The court heard Mr Weldon was asked to leave the Belfast to Larne service on 8 May after the employee observed him vaping, getting off at the Magheramorne halt.

As the train made its return journey, the victim realised he had left a charger behind and stepped off at the same platform to return it to him.

Mr Weldon then launched a series of blows, according to the prosecution, dragging the conductor onto the platform.

“He punched and kicked him around the face and head, striking him six or seven times with fist and foot,” a Crown lawyer told the court.

It was confirmed that the conductor's injuries included five chipped teeth, a swollen head and jaw, and bruising to his calf and arm.

'Unprovoked, spontaneous violence'

During police interviews, Mr Weldon said he was travelling to a new job in Larne and feared being late.

He claimed to have "saw red" and assaulted the conductor after he was told he faced a 15-minute walk.

Prosecution counsel added: “He said the victim’s attitude wasn’t right, that he was trying to be alpha so he showed him who was the alpha male.”

Mr Weldon has made full admissions to carrying out the assault, the court heard, and his lawyer described the incident as "despicable".

“He had resigned himself to losing his job on day two and appears to have taken it as some sort of potential mocking when told he could still walk it,” the barrister said.

It was stressed that Mr Weldon only filmed the aftermath of the assault.

However, Mr Justice Kinney ruled that he poses a risk to the public and denied bail.

"This was an episode of unprovoked and spontaneous violence," the judge added.