Man Jailed After Knocking Teen Unconscious in Train Attack

A violent incident on a Bristol to Newport train has resulted in prison time for a Newport man who assaulted two teenagers, knocking one unconscious. 👊⚖️

William Loosley, 39, of Usk Way, Newport, was sentenced to ten months in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of assault for the shocking attack that occurred on April 1, 2024.

Newport Magistrates’ Court heard that Loosley and his companion, Jasmine Brine, 31, from Cwmbran, were sitting behind a group of teenage friends when Brine threw her lipstick at one of the teens. After the teen threw it back, Brine grabbed the girl by the head.

When a teenage boy attempted to intervene, Loosley rushed over, held the girl down, and began punching the boy. One punch was so forceful it rendered the boy unconscious.

The pair continued to verbally abuse the teenagers until the train arrived at Newport station.

British Transport Police arrested both Loosley and Brine the following day. While Loosley received a prison sentence (to serve half in custody and half on licence), Brine was given a 12-month community order, 100 hours of unpaid work, a 90-day abstinence order, and ordered to pay £364 in court and victim costs.

Investigating officer DC Liam Perry said: “Violent, threatening, or abusive behaviour will not be tolerated on the railway network. Every person has the right to travel in safety and comfort, and no one should be subjected to such awful alarming and distressing behaviour as the victims did. This was a vile and unprovoked attack by two adults on teenagers half their age out with their friends, and the injuries sustained could have been significantly worse. I hope a stint in prison provides Loosely the opportunity to reflect on his actions and the consequences of them.”