On the buses - bus driver summoned

ALLEGATIONS AGAINST BUS DRIVER

Percival Hampstead, an omnibus driver, of 145 King Edward Road, Ware, employed by the National Omnibus Co., Ware, was summoned for delaying his bus on the bus-stand, and also with using insulting words to a Police Constable.

Defendant, who was represented by Mr Geoffrey B. Gush, pleaded not guilty to both summonses.

P.C. Palmer (Cheshunt)  said that on January 6 at 2.38 p.m. he was on duty in Eleanor Cross Road, when defendant pulled up his bus on the other side. He left his bus and walked into the road although there were still some passengers in the bus, and delayed the bus until 2.40. He said “I am going to my mate’s assistance. Do you want a ——– job. You’re like a ——– baby and trying to be ———- funny” Defendant then went and assisted another man to start his bus.

In cross-examination, he said the bus was delayed two minutes. The other bus had been delayed owing to engine trouble, and defendant assisted in starting it. He objected to the word used by defendant as being insulting.

Ralph Towers, Enfield, driver of another bus corroborated.

Mr Gush said the word complained of could not be called insulting or abusive. It only conveyed a derogating meaning when used with another derogatory word.

Defendant, in the box, denied using the word complained of and further evidence was given by Antony Mann, 21 Ware Road, Hertford, a bus conductor; Wilfred William Carter, 14 Coronation Road, Ware, a driver; George Ellacott, Edmonton; Louisa Pegrum, 66 Eleanor Cross Road, Waltham Cross; Martha Lydia Smith, Edmonton; Mrs Ellacott, Edmonton; and George Frederick Redding, Town Hall, Ware, district manager of the National Omnibus Co.

The Bench dismissed both cases.