A man has been ordered to pay Nottingham City Transport (NCT) bus driver Tika Gurung £75 in compensation, a fine of £160, costs of £85 and a surcharge of £64 after pleading guilty to directing verbal abuse and threats at Mr Gurung, including via racist remarks.
Tyler Reid, 28, of Nottingham, appeared in court in mid-September. He boarded an NCT bus on 3 May with an out-of-date ticket and subjected Mr Gurung to what the operator says was a tirade of abuse and threats, “which included racist remarks and references to ‘going home’.”
Police were called and Reid was arrested. Two officers supported Mr Gurung and a witness remained on the scene. Mr Gurung says he is happy with the court’s decision and has thanked his employer for its support. Reid has been banned from NCT buses.
Head of Operations David Conway says: “Nobody should be subjected to abuse during the course of their work. It is horrifying to hear what Tika had to endure, especially when someone attempted to travel without paying.
“Regrettably, this is not an isolated incident, and our drivers are experiencing this type of abuse more often, which NCT will not tolerate. We thank Nottinghamshire Police for its response and support in ensuring a conviction was secured.”
A spokesperson for the force adds: “This was a completely uncalled for verbal attack on a bus driver who was trying to do his job. There is absolutely no excuse for anyone to ever act in the manner displayed in this incident.”
The spokesperson notes that Nottinghamshire Police always looks to put those committing such offences before the courts. “We are pleased to see that the person responsible has now owned up to what they did, and that the victim is satisfied with the outcome.”
