A MAN has been barred from using East Finchley station for six months after harassing Underground staff.

Christopher Henry, 44, of Kingsland was seen touting for used tickets from customers leaving the station at around 4.45pm on Wednesday August 11 last year.

Henry was asked to leave by a customer service assistant but turned abusive and kicked the entry gate to get into the station and vent his anger at the member of staff.

He then continued to loiter next to the ticket machines and asked members of the public for their tickets.

British Transport Police (BTP) were called and although Henry left the station BTP officers were able to arrest him.

Henry denied touting for tickets and abusing staff.

He was sentenced on March 9 with a 12 month community order and will be electronically tagged to enforce a three month curfew requirement between the hours of 7pm and 7am and a six month exclusion requirement from East Finchley station.

Aidan Harris, manager of workplace violence unit at London Underground, said: “We are glad Henry has been convicted after subjecting our staff, who were simply trying to do their job, to rude and abusive behaviour.

“We will continue to work with the BTP to minimise assaults on staff members who have the right to work without fear of being attacked.”

British Transport Police Detective Chief Inspector Kate Shaw, said: “This must have been a very intimidating experience for the member of staff involved.

“Behaviour such as this is completely unacceptable and I hope the victim feels justice has been served with the community order handed to Henry.”