Croydon tram ‘racist rant’ accused Emma West to face trial

Tuesday, January 3, 2012
12:23 PM

Croydon tram ‘racist rant’ accused Emma West will face trial at crown court.

West appeared at Croydon Magistrates’ Court today charged with two racially aggravated public order offences, one with intent to cause fear or provocation of violence.

A video on YouTube allegedly showing the 34-year-old, of Grenville Road, New Addington, racially abusing fellow passengers on board a busy tram has been viewed more than 11 million times.

West was arrested after the footage, taken in the borough of Croydon on October 18, appeared online on November 27.

She was charged with intent to cause fear or provocation of violence after a passenger, Ena-May Eubanks, said she hit her left shoulder with a “closed fist”.

West gave no indication of her plea and said she wanted to face trial at a crown court.

Magistrate Ian Hornby granted conditional bail.

West will next appear at Croydon Crown Court on February 17.