Court jails racist ranter on Brighton train

A wanted man who launched a tirade of racist abuse towards a passenger on a train in Brighton has been found, arrested and jailed for a total of 26 weeks.

Darren Daley, 43, was arrested in London. He was jailed after pleading guilty to racially aggravated common assault and a racially aggravated public order offence.

Footage of his racist rant was uploaded to YouTube, see below, and brought to the attention of British Transport Police (BTP) by concerned members of the public.

BTP officers had previously circulated details about Daley as wanted for questioning in connection with a racially aggravated public order offence on a train in Brighton on Sunday 26 May.

Daley, who had been drinking, was sleeping on a train and but was accidentally woken up by the victim, who was trying to retrieve his bag. He then launched a tirade of racist abuse towards the man.

Darren Daley

Daley, of no fixed address, was arrested for a separate offence by Metropolitan Police officers in London on Wednesday 10 July.

A check on the police national computer revealed his wanted status. And after being interviewed by BTP detectives Daley he appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Friday (19 July) where he was sentenced.

Inspector Gary Ancell said: “After identifying Daley as the man responsible for the racist abuse seen on the YouTube video, we made a number of attempts to arrest him at addresses we had for him in London, but to no avail.

“As a result, we issued a notice on the Police National Computer that Daley was wanted and, somewhat inevitably, have now caught up with him after his arrest in London.

“We treat all allegations of racism and alcohol-fuelled behaviour very seriously.

“Passengers have the right to travel on trains and go about their business without experiencing this type of unwarranted and abhorrent abuse.

“We will always investigate any incidents that are brought to our attention.

“If you experience or witness behaviour similar to this on a train, please report it as soon as possible – we want to hear from you.”

Criminal behaviour can be reported by calling 0800 405040 or 999 in an emergency. Passengers can also text the BTP discreetly on 61016 to say what they have seen.