Alleged racist tram ranter remanded after court hearing
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
A woman appeared today in the magistrates' court in Croydon, London accused of a racially aggravated public order charge after a video was watched by over 11 million people on YouTube allegedly showing her shouting racial abuse at passengers on a tram.
Emma West, 34, a resident of New Addington, cried and bowed her head while the footage was played in court. To protect West's safety, an application of bail was denied. She has been remanded in custody until January 3.
West's case will be transferred to the Crown Court to be heard by a judge and jury. Her plea status is unclear; earlier reports of her saying "not guilty" are, according to the BBC, a court error with her not actually having pled.
Sources
- Hannah Williamson. "Woman accused of racist rant on Croydon/Wimbledon tram remanded in custody over Christmas" — Croydon Guardian, December 6, 2011
- "Woman accused of racist outburst on tram appears in court" — The Guardian, December 6, 2011
- "Racist tram rant accused Emma West remanded after court hearing" — BBC News, December 6, 2011