A GOTH who walks his girlfriend on a leash was banned from getting on a bus due to concerns over passenger safety.

Dewsbury couple Tasha Maltby, 19, and her fiancé, Dani Graves, 25, say they have been discriminated against by bus company Arriva Yorkshire.

The company says other passengers could be put at risk if the bus braked sharply.

Paul Adcock, the firm’s operations director, said: “Arriva takes any allegation of discrimination very seriously and have interviewed the driver regarding Mr Graves’ claims.

“Our primary concern is passenger safety.

“The couple are very welcome to travel on our buses, but we are asking that Miss Maltby remove her dog lead before boarding the bus.

“It could be dangerous for the couple and other passengers if a driver had to brake sharply while Miss Maltby was wearing the lead.’’

Mr Adcock added: “We are writing to Mr Graves to apologise for any distress caused by the way this matter was handled.”

It is alleged a driver told the couple: “We don’t let freaks and dogs like you on.”

Miss Maltby said: “It is definitely discrimination, almost like a hate crime.

“I am a pet, I generally act animal like and I lead a really easy life,” she said.

“I don’t cook or clean and I don’t go anywhere without Dani. “It might seem strange but it makes us both happy.

“It’s my culture and my choice. It isn’t hurting anyone.”

The couple started going out together in July and became engaged last November.