Terrified passengers fled a crowded bus when a man started waving a circular saw, a court heard today.
Sammi Bastawi, 29, of Bramber Avenue, Peacehaven, pleaded not guilty today to affray and having the saw and a knife on board a bus in North Street, Brighton, on Friday 17 September last year.
Brighton Magistrates’ Court was told that a mother grabbed her toddler and escaped through the emergency door at the back of the bus after the fight broke out.
Prosecuting, Jon Karani said that when the saw was produced, it caused “uproar”.
He said: “One woman grabbed her toddler and ran out of the emergency door at the back of the bus.
“One witness said I have never seen anyone more terrified in my life.
“Other members of the public are trying to get away by getting off the bus or moving towards the back of the bus.
“There are a number of members of the public quite frightened by what they are seeing.”
Two others pleaded not guilty to affray – Steven Briggs, 46, of Grand Parade, Brighton, and Elizabeth Teeney, 35, of North Road, Brighton.
A fourth defendant, Adam Todd, 41, pleaded guilty to affray.
Todd, of Waverley Crescent, Brighton, was remanded to appear at Lewes Crown Court on Thursday 21 April where is due to be sentenced.
The other three were committed to Lewes Crown Court to appear on the same date and formally enter pleas.
All four were released on bail.
