Bus Driver Thanks NCT and Nottinghamshire Police as Customer Pleads Guilty following Racist Abuse

4 weeks ago Tue 8th Oct 2024

Justice.

Nottingham City Transport bus driver Tika Gurung, who was crowned NCT Driver of the Year in 2023, has thanked his employer and Nottinghamshire Police for their support following racial abuse he received in May this year. 

Tyler Reid, of St Michaels Avenue, Nottingham, 28 – appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 17 September 2024. He pleaded guilty to a racially-aggravated offence, and was ordered to pay £75 in compensation, was fined £160, and made to pay £85 in costs to the CPS and a surcharge of £64.

After boarding the bus with an out of date ticket, Tyler subjected Tika to a tirade of verbal abuse and threats, which included racist remarks and references to ‘going home’.

Police officers attended the Turquoise 77 bus on Strelley Road within minutes on the morning of 3rd May 2024, supporting Tika, and also arresting Tyler for his actions.

David Conway, NCT Head of Operations said, “Nobody should be subjected to abuse during the course of their work and it is horrifying to hear what Tika had to endure, especially when someone attempted to travel without paying. Regrettably, this isn’t an isolated incident and our drivers are experiencing this type of abuse more often, which NCT won’t tolerate. We thank Nottinghamshire Police for their response and support in ensuring a conviction was secured.”

Tika said, “The police presence on the day made me feel comfortable and safe and thanks to those two officers and a witness on the bus supporting me, the defendant pled guilty. I am happy with the court’s decision and the individual is now banned from NCT buses, which makes drivers safe and secure while doing their job. Thank you NCT for the company support.”

A Nottinghamshire Police spokesperson said: “This was a completely uncalled for verbal attack on a bus driver who was just trying to do his job. There is absolutely no excuse for anyone to ever act in the manner displayed in this incident. As a force, we take a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime in all its forms, including racism, and will always look to put anyone found guilty before the courts. We’re pleased to see that the person responsible has now owned up to what they did, and that the victim is satisfied with the outcome.”