Train guard sacked after seat row

Robbie Moran is claiming unfair dismissal from Southeastern

A train guard who stood up to a group of youths says his life has been ruined because he was sacked from his job.

Robbie Moran, 48, from Ramsgate, in Kent, was attacked after asking one of them to take their feet off the seat.

He fought back but both he and his assailant were arrested. Southeastern railway sacked him a month later even though all charges were dropped.

The firm told Mr Moran he should have walked away, but he is now taking it to a tribunal claiming unfair dismissal.

They will have your fares off you, but you will have to look after yourself while you're on the train Robbie Moran

"The company are always concerned about customer care," he said.

"But walking away and abandoning your passengers to someone that's being aggressive, that's not customer care to me.

"They will have your fares off you but you will have to look after yourself while you're on the train."

Mr Moran said the alleged assault happened in the guard's van after he felt the situation had been defused.

'Too harsh'

"I was in a place of what they call safety, but also it's the safety of the passenger that's on that train that's at risk because if he gets into that driver's cab... it's putting passengers lives at risk," he said.

The RMT union has described the actions of Southeastern as disgraceful.

Spokesman Jim Stevenson said the company had been "too harsh".

"We firmly expect much more support from any company in this situation."

Southeastern has refused to comment pending the employment tribunal next month.