A ‘drunk bully’ who punched a woman bus driver in the throat during a terrifying late night attack has been spared jail.

Daryl Alexander, of St James Avenue, Fareham, appeared before a judge at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on Friday, August 30.

At a previous hearing in June, the 53-year-old admitted assault by beating and affray, in Ryde, on November 1 of last year.

Prosecutor, Tim Devlin, said the incident took place at Ryde Bus Station and involved a female Southern Vectis bus driver.

He said Alexander told her he was a killer, and when the victim tried to calm him down, he punched her in the throat, causing pain and reddening to her neck.

Mr Devlin said members of the public intervened and the victim had to run around the back of the bus while being chased by Alexander.

The court heard the bus driver was inexperienced, distressed, and shocked when he gave chase.

A statement from the victim, read out in court, revealed how it was the most scared she had been in her life and she did everything in her power to keep the door closed when she returned to her bus.  

She described Alexander, who had 15 previous convictions for 36 offences, as a drunk bully who had no remorse.

Jason Halsey, defending, conceded it was a very nasty incident late at night.

He said Alexander used a bin to hit the side of the bus and the incident would have been terrifying for the victim, who effectively had a drunken yob trying to assault her.

The court heard Alexander was remorseful, understood what he had done, and Mr Halsey apologised to the victim on his behalf.

He described Alexander as a complex individual and said alcohol played a major part.

Speaking from the dock, Alexander said he had mental problems over going to a funeral, drank too much, and couldn’t hold it together.

Alexander was handed an 18-month community order, suspended for two years, to include 20 rehabilitation days.

He was also made subject of a five-year restraining order and ordered to pay £500 compensation to the bus driver.