Woman in custody over 'racist rant'

A woman was remanded in custody today after appearing in court over an alleged racist rant on a tram that was captured on video.

Emma West appeared at Croydon Magistrates' Court in south London charged with a racially aggravated public order offence.

A video allegedly showing the 34-year-old, of New Addington, racially abusing fellow passengers on board the busy tram has been viewed more than 11 million times since appearing online on Sunday November 27.

She was arrested last Monday after the footage was posted on YouTube.

A bail application was made by West's solicitor David Ewings, but it was denied by the magistrate Ian McNeal to protect her safety.

She was remanded in custody to appear by videolink for a committal hearing at Croydon Magistrates' Court on January 3.

Earlier, an administrative error led to the defendant entering a not guilty plea, but the court file was later amended to show she has not yet pleaded.

PA