Suspended sentence for Newham man who grabbed bus driver by throat
The attack was in Rainham - Credit: Archant
A man who grabbed a bus driver by the throat and smashed through a screen after his invalid ticket was refused has been handed a suspended sentence.
Jayden Nicholas of Barking Road, Newham, fought with the driver of the 287 bus after attempting to board the vehicle in Bridge Road, Rainham in April.
He shouted and swore at the driver and repeatedly punched the assault screen that separated the pair, before hitting the screen with such force that he broke through it.
Nicholas then grabbed the driver by the throat and began shaking him until a passenger pulled him away from the driver and pushed him off the bus. He then ran off.
The Metropolitan Police’s Workplace Violence Unit launched an investigation which resulted in Nicholas being identified and arrested a month after the attack.
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Supt Rob Revill, of the roads and transport police, said: “This was a particularly vicious, unprovoked assault on a bus driver who was just doing his job. I am pleased that the professional and thorough investigation has resulted in the suspect pleading guilty.”
Transport for London’s enforcement director Steve Burton said he was “very pleased” with the prosecution of Nicholas who attacked a driver who was “just doing his job”.
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He said: “Our staff should be allowed to carry out their daily work duties without fear of attack from the travelling public. We will continue to work with our policing partners to identify offenders and will always push for the toughest penalties for anyone who abuses our staff.”
Nicholas was sentenced at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on August 21 after pleading guilty to common assault, criminal damage and affray.
He was sentenced to a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months and a 12-month supervision order.
He was also ordered to pay £150 compensation to the victim, £360 compensation to Stagecoach, £30 each to the two passengers who witnessed the attack, and a £60 victim surcharge.
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