Pair sentenced after MP assault on Barrow MP

Two Cumbrian men have been sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court for assaulting the Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock.

Daniel Duke, 29, of Beech Street, Barrow, pleaded guilty to assault and racially aggravated harassment and was ordered to pay £50 compensation to the MP and complete 180 hours unpaid work.

Joshua Round, 20, of Wasdale Grove, Barrow, was fined £150 after admitting racially aggravated harassment.

The MP was travelling home on a train on 23 February when he was assaulted.

The pair spent the journey making sexist and later racist remarks while looking at a mobile phone prompting the MP to ask them to stop.

Later, Duke pushed his bag into Mr Woodcock's face during a scuffle on the train and repeatedly threatened him.

Chairman of the bench, Gary Ormondroyd, described the pair's behaviour as "abhorrent" and "repulsive".

Afterwards, Mr Woodcock said: "This sends out a clear signal that this kind of behaviour is not acceptable and if people report it then the police will take it seriously."