In two separate incidents in Glasgow, a male and female have both been found guilty of breach of the peace and assault, after spitting at members of bus firm First’s driving and security staff.
DNA samples were collected using "spit kits", distributed to all First’s drivers and security staff in Glasgow in September 2003. The DNA from the swab kit’s provided evidence which later led to the prosecution of the two individuals.
The first of these incidents took place on 28 November 2004, when a male passenger assaulted and spat on a driver whilst alighting a service bus. The male subsequently fled the scene, however the bus driver used his DNA "Spit Kit" and provided a sample to the police. Three months later a 25-year-old man was arrested for housebreaking and his DNA was found to be a match. On 31 March 2005, the male pled guilty and was ordered to pay £100 compensation to the driver.
The second of these incidents occurred on 1 April 2004 during a routine ticket inspection in the Tollcross Road area of Glasgow. A female passenger was approached by two Revenue Protection Officers (RPO’s) and was asked to produce her ticket for inspection. The female passenger, identified as Ms Carol Craig, took exception to this request and began to shout abusive remarks. When Ms Craig was asked to leave the vehicle, she spat in the face of the RPO. The RPO used his DNA swab kit to take a sample, which was later used to provide the evidence leading to her prosecution. A court case took place on Tuesday 5 April at Glasgow District Court, where the accused was found guilty of breach of the peace and assault. The female was fined £125 with an additional Compensation order of £75 to be made payable to the RPO.
What they say
Alan Pert, Security Manager, First in Glasgow said: "I am delighted that the court has taken such a view on these recent incidents. It is a clear message to others that such actions will not be tolerated. This is also the first time that one of our Revenue Protection employees has been awarded a Compensation Order and again the views of the Court are very encouraging and welcome."
The Revenue Protection Officer involved later said: "This was obviously a very unpleasant experience which I wouldn’t want other people to go through. I’m pleased that the female who attacked me was convicted and fined. It also shows that people are no longer getting away with these disgusting attacks against innocent people."
A Strathclyde Police spokesman added: "Anti-social behaviour and violence towards bus drivers, other bus staff and passengers is simply unacceptable. Strathclyde Police is working closely with First and other public transport companies to tackle crimes of this nature and the successful use of the DNA kit is highly encouraging. We will continue to work in partnership to develop stronger measures to prevent crimes like this happening but, as demonstrated by this case will when necessary, take every possible action to detect offenders and report them to the appropriate authority."
