Uxbridge Man Guilty of Spitting at Bus Driver and Police Officer Amid Covid Crisis
A 23-year-old has admitted to spitting at a bus driver at Uxbridge Bus Station – and then hurling saliva at a police officer while in custody. The shocking attacks highlight rising aggression towards frontline workers during the pandemic.
Aggression Sparks at Uxbridge Bus Station
William Cawley, 23, from Grove Lane, Uxbridge, pleaded guilty at Uxbridge Magistrates Court on 22 April to two counts of common assault. The court heard that on Monday 20 April, Cawley entered a TfL bus through the wrong door shortly after 5pm.
When the bus driver asked him to use the middle door — part of TfL’s new Covid-19 safety measures — Cawley lost his temper and spat at the driver before storming off.
Police Chase Ends in Custody Incident
Officers nearby were alerted and spotted Cawley attempting to flee. After a short foot chase, he was caught in Cocks Yard. Arrested on suspicion of common assault, Cawley was taken into custody.
But his aggression didn’t stop there. While detained, he spat in the face of a police officer and threatened violence, claiming he was Covid-19 positive. This led to an additional charge of common assault on an emergency worker.
Frontline Workers: Under Attack During a Pandemic
Detective Chief Inspector Fiona Martin: “Spitting at someone is disgusting at any time, but during Covid-19, it’s downright dangerous and offensive. Bus drivers and officers are vital workers doing tough gigs under difficult conditions. They don’t deserve to be spat at.”
Siwan Hayward, TfL Director of Compliance: “Spitting is a vile assault with lasting effects. Frontline staff are heroes, especially during this health emergency. This kind of behaviour is shocking and won’t be tolerated. We will push for the toughest sentence to keep our staff safe.”
What’s Next for Cawley?
Cawley has been remanded and will return to court on Wednesday 29 April for sentencing. Meanwhile, TfL’s temporary middle-door boarding system remains in place to protect drivers and passengers as London battles coronavirus. Passengers must now board buses through the middle doors only, ensuring better social distancing for all.
