A THUG who threatened a train passenger with a 15-inch machete is now "rightfully behind bars".

A member of the public spotted the huge knife in Gloire Pongo’s waistband following an altercation between the pair at Hythe Station in Colchester on January 20.

After Pongo boarded a London-bound train, the member of the public told security staff at the station who contacted British Transport Police.

Officers armed with Tasers boarded the train at Witham.

Pongo was charged with possessing a bladed article in a public place which he admitted at a trial preparation hearing last month.

Judge Emma Peters sentenced Pongo to nine months in jail at a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court last week.

READ MORE: Man who was caught with 15-inch machete on a train is jailed for nine months

Inspector Mark Hook from British Transport Police, said: “This is a frightening weapon and I am really pleased we were able to intercept the train and arrest Pongo quickly. He is now rightfully behind bars.

“This case exemplifies the strength of our relationship with the rail industry.

"Together, we reacted quickly to a report of a man in possession of a knife, we identified the train and met it, later detaining a man with no harm coming to passengers.

“We’ll continue to work closely with all our rail industry partners to drive out knife crime, and send a very clear message that possessing these potentially deadly weapons will not be tolerated.”