Drunken Passenger Terrorised Bus Driver

By Neil Hunter

A DRUNKEN passenger who launched a terrifying attack on a bus driver was jailed after a judge told him: “Public servants must be protected.”Richard Charlton was yesterday locked up for 15 months for his part in the assault on Roger Learoyd at the end of a journey across Stockton.The 24-year-old was one of two men – the other later produced a knife in a bid to escape – who subjected the driver to an attack lasting 25 minutes.Teesside Crown Court heard that Mr Learoyd’s ordeal ended only when Michael Kemp, a security guard coming off duty at a hospital, intervened.Mr Kemp was praised by Judge Guy Whitburn for his bravery, and was awarded [pounds]250 from public funds for his actions.The court was told that trouble started on the Arriva service from Stockton High Street to the University Hospital of North Tees on March 8 last year.Christine Egerton, prosecuting, said Mr Learoy heard Charlton and his friend make abusive comments from the back of the bus during the journey.At one point, Chalton confronted the driver – shielded by a perspex screen – and shouted:”Get this f***ing bus moving or I’ll smash your face in.”At the end of the journey, Charlton’s friend appeared to apologise to Mr Learoyd for his friend’s behaviour – but then tried to punch him.Miss Egerton said Charlton joined in the attack, which only came to an end when hospital security man Mr Kemp heard a panic alarm going off.He rushed to the vehicle and restrained Charlton, but he escaped after his friend produced a knife and threatened Mr Kemp.Judge Whitburn told Charlton: “Anyone who attacks a public servant, such as a bus driver, in such a sustained manner will go to prison.”You must have terrified Mr Learoyd and physically injured him during the course of that 25 minutes.”Let it be clearly understood that those who attack public servants late at night, such as bus drivers on their buses, will go to prison.”Charlton, of Prior Court, Billingham, admitted the 8.30pm affray, and Nigel Soppitt, mitigating, told the court he was ashamed and sorry.Mr Soppitt said Charlton was drunk and had little recollection of what happened, and had learnt his lesson.Martin Shier, managing director for Arriva North-East, said after the case: “As a company, we are delighted that the sentence has been passed. “We take the safety of our staff and passengers very, very seriously and we were pleased we were able to supply CCTV evidence to the police which has resulted in the identification and conviction of this individual.”

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