A 20-year-old man from Royston has admitted damaging train station windows, fire extinguishers and a petrol pump during a ‘rampage’ through the town in which he also trespassed on railway lines.

Dean Arbon, of Meldreth Road, destroyed three of rail operator Govia Thameslink’s windows at Royston station – causing damage worth nearly £300 – while also trespassing on railway lines during the series of incidents on September 25.

The episode also saw him destroy a petrol pump, fire extinguishers, and bins at the town’s main Tesco store – and Arbon has been ordered to pay £1,551.20 in compensation, fines and costs.

British Transport Police PC Jean-Pascal Beecroft said after the sentencing: “The thoughtless actions of Arbon’s rampage caused significant damage to both Royston station and the local petrol station.

“His recklessness not only cost the industry several hundreds to repair but could have claimed his life. Trespassing is an extremely dangerous act, with trains travelling at incredibly high speeds. Arbon was lucky this time.

“I hope this sentence sends a clear message that we will simply not tolerate this behaviour on our patch.”

A Govia spokesman said: “Acts of vandalism like this result in the costly repairs and inconvenience to passengers.

“This was also a distressing and frightening experience for the member of staff on duty at this time.”

Arbon pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal damage and one of trespassing on the railway lines when he appeared at Stevenage Magistrates’ Court.