Probation report awaited on woman who caused bus to be evacuated after abusive behaviour

A woman who caused a bus to evacuate its passengers to alternative transport after she became “highly abusive” to the driver in December of last year, has been further remanded on bail, pending a probation report.

Fiona Higginbotham (28), with an address in Slane, Co Meath, previously appeared before Judge Bernadette Owens, where evidence was heard of a brawl with another woman on the bus before the accused issued a death threat to the driver, warned a Garda she would “smash his face in”, and spat directly into the officer’s face.

In June of this year, Ms Higginbotham pleaded guilty to assaulting Garda Darren Murphy on board the bus at Fearmore, Moate, Co Westmeath on December 17 of last year, to using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour, and to public intoxication.

In June, Judge Owens ordered Ms Higginbotham to engage with the probation service. However, that probation report is still outstanding and so a six week adjournment was agreed by the state and the defence.

Ms Higginbotham will reappear on December 10, 2025, when the probation report is expected to be furnished.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme