A bus driver who was attacked during the disorder in Newton Heath has spoken about the traumatic experience. The violence erupted in the Manchester suburb on July 31, with tensions flaring as protesters gathered outside a hotel reportedly housing asylum seekers.
In response, Tactical Aid Unit officers were quickly deployed to disperse the crowd of around 40 people, including children and young men wearing balaclavas. The situation escalated as bottles, rocks, and bricks were thrown at police officers, who lined the streets in riot gear.
During the chaos, a group of young men jumped in front of a double-decker bus, leading to the assault of the driver. The incident was one of several violent acts that day, adding to the unrest in the area.
In the following weeks, several individuals involved in the disorder have admitted their roles. Many defendants appeared before Manchester Magistrates’ Court, pleading guilty to crimes committed during the disturbances in Manchester city center, Newton Heath, and Bolton.
The court cases highlight the severity of the events and the legal consequences for those involved. The driver’s testimony adds a personal perspective to the violent episode, underscoring the impact on those caught in the middle of the unrest. After pleading guilty to violent disorder, the court read a statement from the bus driver who had been hospitalized at Royal Oldham Hospital. The driver, who was left shaken by the incident, expressed his fear of returning to work.
In his statement, he wrote, “The incident has caused me a great deal of stress. I’m now afraid to interact with the public, as I never expected such violence when I started my shift.”
The youth involved, whose name is withheld for legal reasons, had been caught up in a violent protest in Newton Heath. The 13-year-old was seen throwing objects at police and participating in the attack on a bus, which included hitting and kicking it while passengers were on board.
Prosecutor Karen Saffman detailed that the youth was part of a hostile crowd that threw glass bottles, bricks, and eggs at police near a hotel. The bus driver’s statement highlighted that he sustained injuries and was visibly distressed, expressing concern about returning to work.
The court was informed that the youth had no previous criminal record and was uncertain about his reasons for participating in the violence. The judge noted that he lacked the maturity to understand the broader context of his actions. District Judge Hogarth decided to adjourn the case and ordered a report from the youth offending service. Bail conditions were set, requiring the defendant to stay at home every night, not leave the house between 7pm and 7am, and not meet in groups larger than two without an adult family member present.
Judge Hogarth addressed the youth, saying, “You became involved in very serious events happening around you. We need to evaluate the seriousness of your actions and determine the appropriate response.” The case will resume on September 17.