A Morecambe woman who viciously assaulted a mum who was travelling to work has been jailed for 16 months, following a British Transport Police investigation.
Amanda Caroline Bright, of Euston Grove, Morecambe, pleaded guilty to ABH, religiously aggravated harassment and verbal harassment and was sentenced at Preston Crown Court.
She was given a total sentence of 16 months with 99 days spent on a qualifying curfew to count towards the sentence.
The court heard how, on Tuesday, 5 April, 42-year-old Bright boarded a Northern service at Blackpool North station, and when approached to present her ticket became verbally abusive to the member of staff.
She then began a tirade of racial abuse towards a fellow passenger before directing her abuse towards a young woman sitting opposite her, threatening to slit her face.
The victim ignored Bright and took a call on her mobile phone. While speaking to her mother on the phone, Bright grabbed her by the hair, pulling her across the seats before launching into a violent frenzy; kicking and punching her, leaving the victim bruised and with a split lip.
The victim managed to break away from Bright and flee to the other end of the carriage with Bright in pursuit until she was stopped by other passengers.
Bright was identified following a media appeal and arrested outside her home.
Investigating officer PC Kirsty Hansell said: "This was a completely unprovoked and terrifying experience for the victim who is still affected by Bright's violent attack.
"She remains traumatised by what happened and is still too afraid to travel by train. She has also had to change her place of work and had to take time off work to recover from the assault.
"Bright's actions that day were shocking and absolutely despicable. I hope her sentence sends a serious message that violence on the railway network simply will not be tolerated."
Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern, said: “We welcome the sentence that has been passed down for this shocking attack. Anti-social and threatening behaviour of any sort is unacceptable and we will always support British Transport Police to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Former Lancaster antiques centre revamp gets go-ahead
Controversial new housing plans near Lancaster given thumbs up
LISTEN: Plans revealed for 'permanent seasonal' Lancaster On Ice
Morecambe woman charged with murder following death of eight-week-old baby
Rescue after person stuck in mud in Lancaster
Hundreds expected at Eden Project Morecambe 'breaking ground ceremony'
Morecambe children's nursery announces plans to close during extreme heat
Lancaster MP responds to Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister
Carnforth High School praised as a "caring community" in Ofsted report
Body of man found in Lancaster park
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Armed Forces weekend will return after massive crowds enjoy biggest ever event
Morecambe MP says Sir Keir Starmer "has made right decision" as Prime Minister resigns
Limited edition artwork will raise vital funds for Lancaster community group
Green Heritage Plaque marks first home of Lancaster University
New home revealed for £20m Morecambe West End regeneration scheme
Wooden nests take flight in Lancaster and Morecambe to stop decline of endangered birds
Veterans salute as Armed Forces Day flag raised at start of celebration weekend in Morecambe
Vandals cause delays to aqueduct sinkhole repairs in Lancaster
Extra Care scheme to open in Lancaster
Three people taken to hospital after road traffic collision in Morecambe
