Bond for attack on Queanbeyan bus driver

Peter Williams, of McCawley Street, Watson, pleaded guilty to one count of common assault.

Williams, 64, had won a sum of money and was celebrating with his partner at Walsh's Hotel on the afternoon of Saturday, August 1.

According to court documents, Williams consumed a number of drinks before he and his partner decided to catch the bus home. The pair boarded a bus at Collett Street at about 4pm that day.

The partner boarded and showed her return ticket to the bus driver but Williams could not find his ticket. When his partner asked the driver if Williams would have to buy another ticket, he replied 'yes'. Williams started to yell and scream abuse at the driver who asked him to leave.

He was asked to leave a second time and continued to abuse the driver and then punch him in the mouth and nose. The victim lost vision momentarily according to police facts.

Williams' partner tried to restrain him at this point and a male passenger intervened and assisted in the removal of the accused.

The accused's solicitor said the incident was "out of character" but maintained there was no excuse for Williams' behaviour.

Magistrate Michael Antrum described the incident as "inexplicable".

"This is thuggish behaviour. No person attends work expecting to be in a fight unless they're a boxer...," he said.

"You shouldn't turn up to work worried a violent idiot who can't handle his grog will strike you in the face."

In addition to the good behaviour bond the man was fined $550.