Nurse is raciallyabused on bus

Anthonie Jamie Barron, 24, unemployed, of Pevensey Road, St Leonards, appeared at Hastings Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with causing racially aggravated harassment alarm and distress to a female passenger.

He was also charged with using insulting words and behaviour toward the bus driver and pleaded guilty to both offences.

Mark Kateley, prosecuting, said: “This happened on November 25 last year. Barron was on the bus with family members and was involved in an argument with his girlfriend Chelsea.

“The lady, a registered nurse, of Cypriot origin, was on her way to visit her father who was dying and asked him to be quite.

He used racist language, called her a ‘slut’ and told her to get back to her own country.

“When the bus driver intervened and asked the defendant to calm down he squared up to him and swore at him.

“The driver stopped the bus and called the police. Barron told police that he had ADHD and swears a lot.

Charlotte Collette, defending, said: “Mr Barron says he was just having a discussion with his girlfriend but tends to talk loudly.

“He says the lady swore at him and called him an idiot and that he retaliated. Emotions were running high and he acknowledges that what he said is totally unacceptable. He has learning difficulties and swears a lot in his speech and finds it hard to contain his emotions.

Magistrates imposed a three month community order and told him to pay £60 compensation to the lady.