Man detained by Newham Chief Inspector at Golders Green Station tube station is jailed Man sentenced to 12 weeks’ imprisonment after being detained by a Newham Chief Inspector at Golders Green Station tube station Ian Armitt, 32 (27.08.82) of Woodhouse Road, North Finchley was sentenced 12 weeks’ imprisonment for assault with intent to resist arrest and two counts of racially/religiously aggravated harassment at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 3 August after pleading guilty the same day.
On Friday, 31 July, Newham Chief Inspector Roger Mitham was on his way to a passing out parade at Hendon Training School. He was in plain clothes travelling on the Northern Line just outside Golders Green station. Armitt boarded the same train carriage several minutes beforehand and was very drunk and aggressive and behaving in a disorderly manner.
On arriving at Golders Green station, Ch Insp Mitham identified himself as a police office and asked Armitt to leave the train. Armitt struggled with the police officer and at one point both men were pinned between the platform and the train that was due to pull away with the line still live.
Two members of the public came to assist after Chief Inspector Mitham asked for the alarm to be raised. They helped restrained Armitt who continued to be abusive and threatening.
He then went on to racially abuse the members of the public Ch. Insp Mitham then further arrested Armitt for racially aggravated offences whilst station staff raised the alarm. Armitt was detained by Ch Insp Mitham and members of the public until officers from British Transport Police arrived. He was later charged and pleaded guilty to all offences at court. Chief Inspector Roger Mitham from Newham borough said:
“I am very grateful for the assistance of the two members of public that day who stepped in to assist me. They were under no obligation to do so, but felt this man’s behaviour was unacceptable. Together we were able to subdue this man until police colleagues arrived.” PC Stephen North of British Transport Police said:
“Keeping the railway safe and the people that use it is our main priority. I am very appreciative of the actions of Chief Inspector Mitham and the two members of public who assisted in the apprehension of this person.”