Man jailed for ‘reprehensible behaviour’ towards woman on Derry bus
Offender with 169 previous convictions targeted a young female passenger.
A man who engaged in what a judge described as 'reprehensible behaviour' towards a female on a bus has been jailed at Derry Magistrate's Court today.
Steven Hamilton (53) with an address at Upper Newtownards Road in Belfast had been found guilty of one count of assault on the female on May 23 2024.
District Judge Suzanne Rice said that the victim had no knowledge of Hamilton who indulged in 'pestering behaviour ' despite the injured party making clear she wanted no part of this behaviour.
The judge said that it had been 'a prolonged attempt at contact' that had left the young woman 'scared and anxious'.
The court had previously been told that the young woman had moved seats on the bus to get away from Hamilton and it took the intervention of several members of the public before Hamilton was put off the bus.
The woman said she felt frightened especially when Hamilton shouted 'this is your fault' as he was being put off the bus.
Judge Rice said that the defendant had sought to minimise his behaviour and said the young woman had the right to get on a bus without this type of behaviour.
She said Hamilton had 169 previous convictions.
Hamilton was jailed for 2 months and had a Restraining Order imposed for a period of two years.
The judge also praised the young woman for her bravery in bringing this case.