AN ABUSIVE passenger whose behaviour delayed a York bus service for 15 minutes ended up making a journey to court.

Loud mouthed Stephen Leech, 22, and his boorish friend caused such a nuisance on the No 6 early evening Clifton Moor service that its driver, Paul Thompson, refused to drive on from its Rougier Street bus stop until police could come and deal with them, prosecutor Martin Butterworth told York magistrates.

Both men hurled abuse at passengers and driver during the incident last Friday.

At one stage, Leech's companion threatened the driver and made a grab for something in his compartment.

Eventually, both men got off and kicked the First bus before walking off.

But a CCTV operator tracked them and guided police to Leech. Less than a week after his 15-minute outburst on the bus, Leech, who works in the office of a York window company, appeared before the city's magistrates and pleaded guilty to disorderly behaviour. His case was adjourned for a week after magistrates said they wanted to give him a community order. Mr Butterworth said Leech, who lives in Windhill, Bradford, and his companion, bought tickets to Clifton Moor in Bridge Street.

Both were shouting before they got on the bus and continued to do so on board despite being warned by the driver.

By the time the bus had reached Rougier Street, a short distance away, Mr Thompson had had enough.

He contacted a supervisor, asked for the police and refused to drive further.

For Leech, duty solicitor Jacky East said he had a drink problem and couldn't remember anything of the incident. He accepted he needed help.

After the court case, First commercial manager Peter Edwards welcomed the prosecution, and in particular the speed with which Leech had been brought before the court.

"All our staff are trying to do is their job and provide a service to the vast majority of decent travelling customers," he said.

"It is unfortunate, not only for staff, but also the customers when people like this cause trouble in this particular way."

And he fully supported Mr Thompson's decision to delay his service while the bus pair were dealt with. "There is no reason why the driver should allow himself to be subjected to this type of abuse.

Updated: 10:11 Friday, December 02, 2005