Jailed: Man spat at bus driver claiming he had coronavirus
A man who spat at a bus driver in Birmingham and told her that he had coronavirus has been jailed.
Austin Haynes boarded the 126 bus in Ladywood last month and refused to pay the fare for his travel.
The bus driver challenged 43-year-old Haynes, who became aggressive towards her.
Haynes then spat towards the female driver and her cab screen, claiming he had Covid-19.
On April 27, Haynes, of Bristol Road South, in Northfield, was sentenced to 17 weeks in jail.
He had been bailed following an appearance at Birmingham Magistrates Court on April 14 – but after breaching his bail conditions, he returned to the court where he pleaded guilty to battery.
Inspector Rachel Crump, head of the Safer Travel policing team, said: "This is a heinous and disgusting crime against a vital key worker.
"We will not tolerate any violence towards transport staff who are bravely continuing to work on the front line during these uncertain times.
“We welcome the sentence given to Haynes and are pleased to see him face time behind bars for his revolting behaviour.
Shocking
"We take this crime very seriously and we will continue to do so to protect transport workers.”
David Bradford, managing director of National Express West Midlands, said: “Spitting is not only disgusting – it's a criminal offence.
"Our drivers continue to provide a lifeline to front line workers during these difficult times and they should not be expected to tolerate this shocking behaviour.
“We work very closely in partnership with the Safer Travel policing team to track down offenders and secure convictions at court.
"The recent sentence given to Haynes is welcomed and sends a clear message that we will not tolerate offensive behaviour towards our staff.”
