Man calls bus driver 'terrorist' and 'Hamas' while shouting racist abuse
A man who called a bus driver a "terrorist" and "Hamas" has pleaded guilty to a racially aggravated public order offence.
Hardy Jalloh, 34, shouted the racist insults after starting an argument with a driver of a 116 bus on October 26, while it was on Staines Road in Feltham, Hounslow.He also swore at his victim before he was arrested the same day.
Jalloh, of Granville Avenue, was charged with a public order offence under Section 4A of the Public Order Act, a racially aggravated offence under Section 31 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and possession of cannabis.
He admitted all offences to West London Magistrates’ Court on October 28 and was released on bail - he will appear in court again on November 27.
Chief Inspector Stephen Warnes, who led the investigation, said: “We will not tolerate any form of hate crime, or tolerate anyone inciting violence.“We continue to work alongside our colleagues at Transport for London (TfL) to ensure their staff and Londoners can go about life without suffering abusive behaviour.”
The Metropolitan Police have carried out more than 70 arrests in relation to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
It said: "The Met is listening to and working with London communities and partners to make sure they feel safe in light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
"Hundreds of officers are providing high visibility patrols across the capital."
Tensions are high all over the world as the war rages on in the Middle East, with a sevenfold increase in anti-Semitic incidents recorded in the UK since Hamas' October 7 attack as of two weeks ago.
Similarly, there has been “appalling surge” in Islamophobia, with mosques “forced to ramp up security”, according to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.