Man tried to have sex with ScotRail drinks trolley

The man had no recollection of the incident. Picture: TSPL

Andrew Davidson’s behaviour was witnessed by passengers on the Aberdeen to Glasgow ScotRail service where he attempted to kiss the trolley’s operator before sitting on a passenger’s knee.

Fiscal depute Jim Eodanable told the court: “This happened on the train from Dundee to Perth at 5.45 pm. The staff member was serving drinks and snacks from the trolley.

“The accused had previously asked to purchase a can of beer from her but had been told she had run out. He approached again and tried to engage her in conversation.

“Just prior to arriving in Dundee station he asked if he could kiss her and she said no. This was heard by passengers who were concerned for her safety.

“One passenger, who had her daughter with her, decided to keep an eye on the situation. The train stopped and the accused was seen placing his hands on a female passenger leaving the train.

“The staff member was standing opposite the accused and he grabbed her right arm. He said he was going to kiss her and she broke free.”

The court was told that Davidson tried to pull her closer and embrace her again but she managed to break free and left the train, leaving her trolley and cash float behind.

“The accused was then seen trying to sit on the lap of another female passenger, before falling onto his face.

“He was rubbing his chest, sticking his tongue out and shouting about what he wanted to do to his boyfriend. He got back to his feet.

“He then approached the unattended trolley and started rubbing himself against the trolley.

“The train had moved off and the British Transport Police were waiting for him in Perth. They found him lying face down near the train door. He indicated that he didn’t remember any of the incident.”

No recollection

Solicitor Grant Bruce, defending, said: “He has no recollection of what happened on the train at all but accepts he behaved in this manner.

“He was completely intoxicated by alcohol and a legal high. He has now curtailed his social life to a great degree because of this incident.

“It is something that has never happened before and is unlikely to ever happen again.”

Davidson, West Hemming Street, Letham, Angus, admitted causing fear and alarm in Dundee and on a train journey between Dundee and Perth on 5 July.

He admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner, grabbing a staff member’s arm and trying to kiss her, shouting and swearing and making sexually offensive remarks and gestures.

In a letter to the court, Davidson said: “I really can’t remember anything that happened. I am disgusted with my behaviour. I’m very sorry.”

Sheriff William Wood said: “This was an incident which must have been very distressing for all of those directly affected and the others, including families, who were on the train.”

He placed Davidson on community payback and ordered him to carry out 100 hours unpaid work. Davidson was not placed on the sex offenders register as the sheriff did not consider the sexual element of the case to be “significant”.