A Hornchurch man has been convicted of hurling racist abuse at a woman wearing a headscarf at Stratford station.

Lee Moss of Mendip Road, made an inflammatory comment to his victim after they both boarded the train destined for Shenfield at the station.

The 31-year-old continued a ‘hate-fuelled’ tirade of abusive at her during the journey before he got off the train in Ilford.

Detectives launched an investigation after witnesses reported his behaviour to police and he was subsequently arrested.

He denied any wrongdoing but was convicted of one charge under the Crime and Disorder Act and one charge under the Public Order Act and fined £1,500.

PC Stuart Morishita-Dubois, investigating officer, said: “Moss’s behaviour was utterly disgusting. He targeted this woman because of her ethnicity.

“His hate fuelled abuse was threatening and an extremely unpleasant experience for all passengers who were on board.

“I hope this large fine sends a clear message that we will investigate crime and will always strive for the toughest of sentencings.”

Steve Burton, TfL’s director of enforcement and on-street operations, added: “Hate crime has no place in our society and we will not tolerate this type of behaviour on our network. We are working closely with police to stamp it out.”