Jail warning over 'disgusting' spitting attacks on bus drivers
People caught spitting at bus drivers or passengers in the West Midlands are increasingly likely to be caught and face long jail sentences, transport and police bosses have warned.
The act of spitting has moved to potentially being life-threatening for victims following the coronavirus outbreak – highlighted by the death of a London ticket collector.
New figures revealed that during the year to March 31, while there was a fall in all other types of recorded crime on the West Midlands bus network, there was an increase in common assault incidents. The increase was to a large extent accounted for by incidents of spitting, with male bus drivers frequently being the target.
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The Safer Travel Partnership, through which West Midlands Police, British Transport Police and Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) collaborate to fight crime on buses, trains and trams, has been encouraging more drivers and passengers to report incidents.
West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, said: "Spitting is not only a vile act but one which can, as we saw in London, have fatal consequences in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak.
“I am pleased to say that we are getting results and that the courts are backing us with stiff sentences for those found guilty."
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson added: “Spitting is one of the most disgusting forms of behaviour there is. Not only is spitting repulsive and contemptible, but with the coronavirus pandemic, this action is deliberately a life-threatening attack.
“Therefore my message to anyone who indulges in this vulgar form of attack in which spitting is so dangerous because of coronavirus, you will be found, you will be arrested and you will be prosecuted.”
