YELLOW Buses has warned it will not tolerate violence, threats and abuse after a man appeared in court following a shocking road rage attack.

The company stressed it will always help police to bring offenders to justice to ensure the safety of staff and passengers.

“The safety of our staff and passengers is our priority at all times” said Phil Pannell, service delivery director

“We always assist the police and any investigating authorities and are pleased that this case has now been resolved at court.

“We will not tolerate violence, threats or abuse on our buses.”

Mr Pannell spoke out after company director Lewis Matthews was sentenced to a 12-month community order and 100 hours of unpaid work, as well as getting six points on his driving licence, after admitting assault by beating and driving without due care and attention. He was also ordered to pay £200 in compensation, costs of £325 and a victim surcharge of £85.

Bournemouth magistrates heard he punched bus driver Anthony Smith in the face several times in front of horrified passengers after claiming the bus “veered” in front of his Subaru in Wimborne Road, Bournemouth.

Matthews smiled at a Daily Echo photographer as he left court.

The incident is the latest in a series involving bus drivers in the area.

Earlier this year Yellow Buses suspended its 1A service in the Somerford area of Christchurch after bricks and other missiles were hurled at passing buses.

The company said it had taken the decision because it believed lives were at risk.

A driver was also assaulted in the nearby Purewell area by a passenger who attempted to steal money from him and buses in north Bournemouth were subject to diversions after missiles were thrown.

Mr Pannell spoke out on the day Britain’s emergency services highlighted the daily abuse and assaults faced by staff trying to carry out their jobs.

Police, ambulance and A&E staff said alcohol is to blame for incidents which include violence, sexual assaults and abuse.

A report from the All Party Parliamentary Group on Alcohol Harm said it is not just emergency staff who suffer but others just attempting to get on with their jobs.