6:12PM, Thu Oct 18, 2012

Men Fined For 'Checky Watch' Threats Against Ticket Inspectors

By Andy Hughes Location: North Tyneside

David Edgar (L) and Matthew O'Neil (R) admitted posting the message

Two men have admitted posting obscene messages on a website which alerts Metro users to where inspectors are waiting.

David Edgar, 26, and Matthew O'Neil, 22, posted the offensive comments on Checky Watch, a page set up on Facebook.

North Tyneside Magistrates heard how Edgar, of Monmouth Gardens, Howdon, wrote how he was planning to fill water balloons with acid and bring them to an organised protest.

Tracy Plant, prosecuting, explained how O'Neil, of Appelby Court, North Shields, called Metro inspectors "orange jacket scum" and said he wanted to put a "plank full of nails" into their faces.

Both men admitted sending malicious communications to Nexus staff.

Mark Harrison, defending both men, said his clients had acted without thinking and said they were both extremely sorry for their actions.