Deliveroo rider to stand trial after spooking police horses by swearing at them

A Deliveroo rider has appeared before magistrates after allegedly swearing at two officers on patrol in Manchester city centre and startling their horses. Raven Morello, 19, denies cycling without due care or attention and a public order offence.

The Manchester Evening News has published footage of the moment when Morello was arrested on Booth Street on June 23. The Deliveroo rider claims he was ‘man-handled’ by officers who held him on the ground while making the arrest.

The fastest fast food? Deliveroo rider in full Team Sky kit on a Pinarello

Officers said the horses started ‘jumping around’ in the road after Morello had ridden towards them and when asked to get off his bike, he refused. Police said he then swore at them and acted aggressively.

Morello was forcefully removed from his bike and arrested. Prosecuting, Asafa Jiro said he continued swearing at the officers as he was being arrested.

Defending, Adam Bonney said: “He is a Deliveroo driver and as he rode along the road the police horse was startled. He says he was riding as normal and officers then man-handled him. He got agitated when the officers held him to the ground. He only admits swearing when he was man-handled. It was quite a scene.”

Morello has been bailed until his next court appearance. The case goes to trial on Friday, September 23.