Picture: British Transport Police

A thug who spat at London Underground staff has been jailed for eight weeks.

Richard Macken, 27, was caught after quick thinking workers collected his saliva for DNA testing.

Macken had pushed his was through ticket barriers at Embankment station and then violently threatened staff.

British Transport Police said he put up his middle figure and tried to start a fight.

He then spat twice – missing both times.

Swabs were taken from the station window and proved to be a DNA match for Macken.

He pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

PC Steve Russell of the London Underground Staff Assaults team said:

“Macken’s behaviour was intimidating and chaotic.

“He tried hard to spit at staff in the middle of a pandemic, threatened them and caused a mess in the station.

“They were just trying to do their jobs in, what was and still is, a difficult time.

“Thankfully, their quick thinking ensured they used a spit kit to collect key evidence which helped identify Macken.

“These kits are excellent in tracking offenders who try wielding their spit as a weapon to create fear and concern.”