EXCLUSIVE

By Matt Johnson

matt.johnson@essnmedia.co.uk

Three young women brutally attacked two tram inspectors - all because they confiscated an invalid Oyster card.

Paul Harmer was shoved off a tram and bitten in the assault while colleague Caroline Marsh had her hair yanked back so hard she suffered whiplash.

Natasha Kilby-Whelan, 20, and Saffii Walker, 19, were found guilty of affray at Croydon Magistrates' Court on Tuesday while Natalie Reid, 20, had already admitted affray and two counts of causing actual bodily harm.

The violence broke out shortly after 9pm on October 4 last year when four inspectors, including Ms Marsh and Mr Harmer, boarded a tram at Croydon's Centrale stop.

Mr Harmer approached Walker, of Gunnell Close, Woodside, and found her Oyster card was invalid.

He took the card from her, told her he would be keeping it and informed her she would be fined.

But as the tram pulled in at the West Croydon stop he was pushed out of the vehicle by Reid, of Coleridge Road, Woodside.

Outside he and his colleagues were confronted by the group, who demanded the return of the Oyster card.

Prosecutor Miranda Jollie said the three defendants behaviour became "increasingly aggressive".

Reid then proceeded to pull Ms Marsh's hair and as Mr Harmer attempted to pull her away she bit his hand.

The court heard Ms Marsh was left with bruising and whiplash and required physiotherapy after the incident.

Giving evidence Mr Harmer said: "I saw [Reid] had grabbed Caroline's hair and was pulling her around.

"I tried to grab the girl's right arm. In doing so my arm went towards her mouth and that's when I got bitten.

"I felt very threatened. It was the first time this had ever happened to me in two years of revenue (ticket inspection) and 10 years with Tramlink. I've never had that level of violence before."

Mr Harmer added that Walker and Kilby-Whelan, of Tunstall Road, Addiscombe, were also acting aggressively and shouting throughout the incident.

Police were called to the scene and the three girls were arrested.

Reid admitted her part in the fracas but Kilby-Whelan and Walker were proved guilty by District Judge Emma Arbuthnot.

Following the hearing a Transport for London spokesman condemned the women's actions.

He said: "This was a particularly brutal case and we're pleased that a court has found the accused guilty and that the police work involved has resulted in a successful prosecution."

A British Transport Police spokeswoman added: "Rail workers, just like everyone else, have a right to go to work without fear of assault.

"This kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable."

The case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports to be prepared. The three will appear back in court on Monday July 13 for sentencing.