A MAN who attacked a visually impaired passenger on a train after mocking him for his poor sight and need for a guide dog has been jailed.

Krystian Konieczny, 27, of De Lapre Close, Orpington, was sentenced to eight weeks in prison for the assault which happened between London Victoria and Beckenham Junction at around 5.45pm on January 30.

The victim, 27, from Bromley, politely asked Konieczny and his friend to be careful when one of them trod on his guide dog's tail after they boarded the train at Brixton.

Later the pair approached the victim and verbally abused him, poking fun at his partial-sightedness and need for a guide dog.

Then, as the train arrived at Beckenham Junction, Konieczny shoved the victim in the back, causing him to stumble.

Feeling vulnerable and upset, the victim, who was travelling with a blind friend, left the train and walked up the platform before boarding another carriage.

Konieczny, identified on CCTV, pleaded guilty to assault by beating at Bromley Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

PC Mark Payne, the investigating officer, said: "Fortunately the victim was unharmed but Konieczny’s attack was very frightening for him and left him extremely shaken.

"To intimidate and then attack someone who is clearly vulnerable is appalling and we welcome the prison sentence handed down by the court."

Hugh Huddy, campaigns officer for the Royal National Institute of Blind People, said: "Feeling safe when out and about is essential to blind and partially sighted people's independence. No one should have to suffer abuse of any kind when they're going about their daily life, whether that be at work, when travelling or in social situations.

"We hope this case shows that the police and courts will take serious action against anyone behaving in an offensive or dangerous way towards a disabled person."