A BUS passenger was punched to the face in a ‘violent’ attack by an alcoholic who had been drinking vodka.

David Webb, 42, was on a bus along with the victim who had been out drinking in Wetherspoons and was travelling home on July 19, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said the victim had been talking to Webb, ‘having a general conversation’ and ‘everything had been fine’.  Webb had been drinking vodka from a sports bottle and the victim had joked, ‘can I have some?’

The defendant later began ‘arguing with everyone’. The victim, who was sat behind him, had put his arm on the orange headrest and Webb had then stood up and punched him to the face.

The bus driver stopped but Webb continued to hit the victim. Another man stepped in and managed to hold Webb down. He shouted for someone to get the police.

An officer arrived and got on to the bus to take hold of Webb. The victim suffered injuries to the nose and face.

Ms Fee said the offence was aggravated by the fact it had taken place on a public bus where there were other members of the public.

Webb, of Eaglesfield Street, Maryport, pleaded guilty to assault by beating.

A probation officer said the defendant had been diagnosed with complex PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and is an alcoholic.

The court heard that he is ‘an isolated man’ who has little support and last worked 15 years ago. His offending takes place when he ‘has been feeling low’ or ‘has been drinking heavily’.

Webb, who was not legally represented, said: “I apologise to the gentleman for reacting like I did and for making a violent scene in public. It’s not who I really am. I was inebriated.”

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order with 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Webb was fined £80 ordered to pay £100 in compensation to the victim. He must also pay a £114 victim surcharge.