A CARPENTER from West Hampstead has been ordered to seek help for alcohol abuse after assaulting a Kentish Town Underground station employee. Stephen Bourke, of Cotleigh Road, was sentenced to a 12-month community order after pleading guilty to the attack

A CARPENTER from West Hampstead has been ordered to seek help for alcohol abuse after assaulting a Kentish Town Underground station employee.

Stephen Bourke, of Cotleigh Road, was sentenced to a 12-month community order after pleading guilty to the attack in October last year.

Bourke, aged 28, was identified by his victim after returning to the station in August this year.

British Transport Police's Det Sgt Paula Jones said: "Bourke's attack in October last year was vicious and completely unprovoked, causing injury to a member of staff who was simply trying to close the station.

"Everyone has the right to go to work without fear of harm and I hope that this result serves as some justice for his victim."

Bourke entered the station around 1am on October 2 2007 and was told by staff trains were no longer running and the station would soon be closing.

He left the station but returned shortly afterwards and began to shout abuse.

He then punched the staff member in the face several times, knocking him to the floor and continued his assault before leaving the station.

The attack left the victim needing five stitches for a cut below his left eye. He also suffered a swollen eye and lip and bruising to his body.

Bourke's order requires him to undertake 80 hours of unpaid work and to attend six alcohol treatment sessions within the next six months.

The judge also ordered him to pay £350 compensation to the victim.