A ticket collector on a train was attacked and beaten up by a passenger in an unprovoked attack.

Anthony Driscoll was on duty on a train that had left St Pancras, in London, in February last year.

Canterbury Crown Court heard that as it neared Ashford International station, he was made aware of a man acting strangely.

Prosecutor Trevor Wright said passengers had reported David Hussain-Porter dodging in and out of toilets and they suspected he was travelling without a ticket on the high-speed train.

He said Hussain-Porter went to get off the train, but the doors closed and Mr Driscoll then asked him for his ticket.

"This was a horrific attack and he has now shown remorse but doctors say his mental condition could deteriorate without help..." - Mukhtiar Singh, defending

Mr Wright said: "The defendant claimed he had bought a ticket but couldn't produce it. Mr Driscoll asked him for his details and the defendant gave him an address in Liverpool but no postcode.

"By this time the train was approaching Folkestone West Station and Mr Driscoll realised he wouldn't have time to check the details and decided to let him get off the train.

"But without any provocation, Hussain-Porter punched the ticket collector in the head and bit him. Mr Driscoll then grabbed the defendant and the two fell out on to the platform.

"With the help of a passenger, Kenneth Turrell, Hussain-Porter was restrained and the police were called."

Hussain-Porter admitted the assault and was ordered by the judge to receive treatment under the Mental Health Act.

Mukhtiar Singh, defending, said Hussain-Porter, who is homeless, was suffering from a schizophrenic-related disorder and was hearing voices in his head.

He said: "This was a horrific attack and he has now shown remorse but doctors say his mental condition could deteriorate without help."

Hussain-Porter was made subject to a Section 37 order under the Mental Health Act.

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