Ballymena, Northern Ireland – A man from Co Antrim faced the wrath of the court after assaulting a train conductor following his removal from a train for vaping. Stephen Weldon, 34, erupted with anger as the judge denied his request for bail during his appearance at Ballymena Magistrates Court. District Judge Nigel Broderick emphasized that Weldon’s admissions ruled out any presumption of innocence, labeling the assault as unjustified and an attack on a public servant offering transportation services.
The incident, which left the conductor traumatized, unfolded when Weldon, a resident of Inniscarn Drive in Newtownabbey, allegedly engaged in an unprovoked assault on May 8. According to a detective constable’s testimony, Weldon’s actions escalated after being asked to disembark at Magheramourne halt for vaping on the train to Larne. Despite being advised on alternative transportation options, Weldon unleashed a violent attack on the conductor, causing significant harm.
Witnesses reported that Weldon physically assaulted the conductor, pushing him off the train and continuing the violent attack on the platform. The victim suffered multiple blows to the head and face, resulting in chipped teeth, bruising, and abrasions. Weldon’s confrontation with the victim was further incriminated by a live stream capturing part of the assault, which was discovered during police investigations.
As a result of the assault, the victim was rushed to the hospital for treatment, with initial concerns of a fractured jaw later ruled out by X-ray results. Despite the absence of a fracture, the conductor endured painful injuries and trauma from the incident. Following the proceedings, Judge Broderick remanded Weldon into custody, scheduling a follow-up court date for June 6 to address the charges of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and criminal damage to the victim’s belongings, including a mobile phone and Translink-issued items.
The courtroom scene painted a stark picture of Weldon’s consequences, underscoring the severity of his actions and the impact on the victim and public safety. As the legal process unfolds, the community awaits further developments in the case to ensure accountability and justice for the assaulted conductor.