A BUS driver feared violence when he was threatened by a drunk man who went on to shatter the vehicle’s glass doors with a kick.

Matthew Rose, 41, made threats to the driver in Colchester, swearing at him after he was warned against drinking alcohol on the bus in December last year.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard the driver reminded Rose it is illegal to drink alcohol on buses after noticing he appeared to be drunk.

Charles Corbett, prosecuting, said: “He said it wasn’t alcohol and moved to the front of the bus, he shouted to [the driver] ‘I’m not drinking it’.

“This caused him to fear violence.

“Mr Rose got off the bus, however, he turned and kicked the glass doors causing both panels to smash.

“Whilst outside, he said ‘It’s his fault’.”

Police arrived and arrested Rose, who admitted what he had done.

Rose, of Beach Road, Clacton, admitted criminal damage, using threatening or abusive words and breaching a suspended sentence order.

The court heard in July last year, he was convicted of battery and sentenced to nine weeks imprisonment, suspended for six months.

Rose’s solicitor Levent Kemal called for magistrates to adjourn the case “in the interests of justice”, to allow for a report to be carried out assessing Rose’s mental health issues.

A representative for the probation service said Rose is staying at a temporary address and agencies are working with him to find more suitable accommodation.

Magistrates adjourned the case until April 20 to allow for a report to be carried out.