AN Ealing man who racially abused and spat at a bus driver in Hayes has been convicted after being quickly identified by Met officers.

Police were called to Coldharbour Lane at 12.25pm last Wednesday (7) after Michael Mongan shouted racial abuse at a bus driver.

The driver had refused to let Mongan board as he did not have enough money to pay for his journey.

Mongan spat at the driver's cab a number of times while shouting Islamophobic abuse and other threats.

A video of the incident was widely shared on social media. Mongan was quickly identified and arrested on Friday.

He was charged with a racially aggravated public order offence and criminal damage.

Mongan, 39, of Castle Road, Ealing, pleaded guilty to both charges at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court yesterday (10). He was remanded in custody for sentencing at the same court on Tuesday.

Det Insp Jonathan Potter, of the Roads and Transport Police, said: "The bus driver was simply doing his job. He and all other staff who work across London's transport network have a right to do so in safety, free from unacceptable threats and intimidation.

"I'm glad Mongan has been swiftly brought to justice and will now face the consequences of his actions."