A solicitor who racially abused a mum in front of her toddler son on a train has been fined more than £1,000.

Alexander MacKinnon, of Glasgow, unleashed a torrent of abuse at his fellow passenger in a first class carriage.

The 47-year-old pleaded guilty at a court in Carlisle to the Racially Aggravated Public Order offence and was hit with a penalty of £1,154 as well as £50 compensation, a £150 victim surcharge and costs of £85.

The lawyer was investigated by British Transport Police in England because his offences took place on a cross-border train as he returned to Glasgow from London.

The court heard how on 29 December last year, MacKinnon, who had been drinking and was seated in the first class carriage of the 2.30pm train from London Euston shouted at a four year old child, telling him to be quiet.

When the child’s mother asked him not to raise his voice, Mr MacKinnon responded with a barrage of racist abuse, demanding to know where she came from, why didn’t she go back there and that she shouldn’t be travelling in first class.

His victim began to cry and reported the man to a member of rail staff. The train manager was informed who told MacKinnon he would be taken off the train at Carlisle and met by police.

He responded by continuing his racist rant, accusing his victim of wasting police time by reporting the matter and adding that she shouldn’t be in this country.

In police interview, MacKinnon continued to be abusive and racist about his victim, according to British Transport Police.

Investigating officer PC Mark Mellenthin said: “The victim was visibly distressed and shaken by MacKinnon’s frightening racist outburst. Thankfully the train manager stepped in before the abuse escalated.

“People like MacKinnon must understand that abusive, racist behaviour like this has no place on the railway and will not be tolerated. Everyone has the right to travel in safety without fear of abuse like this, violence or intimidation.

He added: “When it does happen we will do everything in our power to bring them before the courts. Hopefully MacKinnon’s substantial fine will make him think twice before unleashing such vitriol on other members of the public.”