A train conductor was left injured and lost a tooth after a passenger assaulted him for requesting to see his ticket. Peter Corley, aged 62, asked Finley Seggie, 21, and his companion to disembark at the next station when they failed to present valid tickets on the train heading to York. Instead of complying, Seggie verbally attacked Corley and then physically assaulted him by punching him in the face.
The assault resulted in Peter losing a tooth, facing £3,000 in dental expenses, and eventually resigning from his job due to the incident that occurred on December 14, 2024. Seggie later admitted to assault causing actual bodily harm (ABH) and received a 16-month suspended sentence at Leeds Crown Court on May 5.
Peter, a grandfather from York, expressed his shock at the unexpected attack, mentioning Seggie’s boxing skills but lack of responsibility. Having previously served in the army and as a custody inspector for West Yorkshire Police, Peter joined Northern Trains in 2018 to remain active.
During the incident on the Leeds to York service, Peter confronted Seggie and his friend regarding their tickets, leading to the assault. Following the attack, a fellow passenger assisted Peter and contacted the authorities. Despite Northern Trains covering his dental bills, Peter had to leave the job in May 2025 due to mental health issues stemming from the assault. He now works as a supermarket customer team member and delivery driver.
Seggie was apprehended on February 18 based on CCTV footage, charged with ABH, and later admitted to the offense, stating self-defense as his motive. Peter, showing understanding, expressed satisfaction with the legal outcome but wished for a face-to-face meeting with Seggie for restorative justice.
The incident underscores the challenges faced by railway staff, with Peter emphasizing the importance of understanding the complexities of the job and the dedication of railway workers to improve services.
