A Forest Gate man has been sentenced to six months in prison for a “random attack” on a man at Leigh-on-Sea railway station.

John McDonagh, 19, was convicted of causing actual bodily harm to a 61-year-old man.

The victim was punched in the face, suffering a broken nose and fractured tooth. He then taunted and swore at his victim.

He was sentenced at Southend Magistrate’s Court on February 5.

Investigating officer PC Scott Stedman said: “This was a completely unprovoked attack on a member of the public who was going about his business. A long and drawn out investigation ensued but we were ultimately able to identify the person responsible and I applaud the custodial sentence handed down by the court.

“Clearly McDonagh is a violent individual. We will always pursue and place before the court those individuals who commit violent offences on the transport network.”