AN ISLE of Wight man banned from all Southern Vectis buses assaulted a driver after sneaking on through the emergency exit.

Dominic Crumby, 26, of Daniel Street, Ryde, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Tuesday, November 12.

He slammed a door on the bus which made contact with the driver's head, and in court admitted assault by beating.

The incident happened on Esplanade in Ryde, on October 7.

Prosecutor, Lauren McConnell, said the incident began at around 9.50pm at Ryde Bus Station when Crumby attempted to get on a bus.

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The court heard he is banned from all Southern Vectis buses, and normally he would walk away after trying his luck, but this time he was persistent.

Ms McConnell said, when the bus came to a stop at traffic lights, the driver noticed Crumby, who gained entry through the emergency exit, sitting on the back seat.

He was told to get off, and when he slammed the door in frustration, it made contact with the driver’s head.

He also admitted theft from a shop, on Brading Road in Ryde, on September 24. Ms McConnell said Crumby stole Smirnoff vodka from Tesco in Ryde and used a tool to remove its tag. The theft was caught on CCTV.

Tom Cooke, defending, said Crumby claimed the bus assault was an accident but conceded his actions were reckless.

He said he had significant mental health issues and had not deliberately attacked anyone.

Crumby saw his case adjourned to January 10.