Man pleads guilty to racially abusing and spitting at bus driver

A man who racially abused and spat at a bus driver has been convicted after he was quickly identified by Met officers.

Police were called to Coldharbour Lane in Hayes at 12.25hrs on Wednesday, 7 August after Michael Mongan shouted racial abuse at a bus driver.

The driver had refused to let Mongan board as he did not have sufficient funds to pay for his journey.

Mongan spat at the bus driver's cab a number of times while shouting Islamophobic abuse and other threats.

A video of the incident was widely shared on social media. Mongan was quickly identified and arrested on Friday, 9 August.

He was charged with a racially aggravated public order offence and criminal damage.

Mongan, 39 (03.07.85) of Castle Road, Ealing, pleaded guilty to both charges at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court on Saturday, 10 August. He was remanded in custody for sentencing at the same court on Tuesday, 13 August.

Detective Inspector Jonathan Potter, of the Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: "The bus driver who was racially abuse and spat at by Michael Mongan was simply doing his job. He and all other staff who work across London's transport network have a right to do so in safety, free from unacceptable threats and intimidation.

"I hope the fast response from our officers sends a clear message that we will act to hold those who behave in this way to account.

"I'm glad Mongan has been swiftly brought to justice and will now face the consequences of his actions."