A bus driver in Aberdeen has been fined after a shocking physical altercation where he shoved a 77-year-old pensioner off his vehicle, causing the elderly man to fall and break his shoulder.
The Violent Incident Caught on Camera
The confrontation took place after a heated verbal exchange between the driver, Kyle Howles, 31, and the pensioner. According to reports, the argument was preceded by a separate incident the driver had with a cyclist.
CCTV footage from the bus cab captured the moment the discussion escalated. The video shows the two men talking angrily and pointing at one another before the pensioner reached inside and pulled open the protective door separating the driver from the passengers.
In response, Howles stood up, grabbed the man's jacket with both hands, and pulled him forwards before shoving him violently backwards. The force of the push was so great that the 77-year-old victim fell out of the bus and landed on his side on the pavement.
Aftermath and Court Proceedings
Emergency services were called to the scene. The pensioner received treatment and was subsequently taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for his injuries.
Howles appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on 11 November, where he pleaded guilty to one count of assault. His plea was entered as 'guilty under provocation'. His defence argued that the victim had threatened him, allegedly saying 'what he would do to him if he were 20 years younger'.
The court handed Howles a fine of £320, which included a £20 victim surcharge.
Company Response and Dismissal
A spokesperson for First Bus described the video footage as 'truly shocking' and extended an apology to the passenger involved.
The spokesperson stated, 'This sort of behaviour from one of our drivers is completely unacceptable, and we can confirm that he was dismissed shortly after the incident following a full investigation. We also fully cooperated with the police during their enquiries.'
