AN ANGRY dad attacked a bus driver in a dispute over a ticket after a child had been charged full fare, a court heard.

Christopher Hirst, 33, said to accept he has 'a short fuse' threw a punch at Piotr Czarkowski's face, after becoming aggressive and shouting and verbally abusing the victim.

The driver had managed to block the blow with his arm and Hirst, who struck in front of the child and others at Nelson bus station, then ran off, Burnley magistrates were told.

The defendant, who claimed the victim had said something to him as he got off the bus, admitted assault by beating on March 24.

Hirst, of Napier Street, Nelson, was given a nine month conditional discharge and must pay £50 compensation, £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge, The bench told him Mr Czarkowski had been carrying out a public service and shouldn't expect such behaviour while doing his job.

The chairwoman, who said the defendant's actions had been 'a moment of madness', told him: "More importantly than anything else, it was in the presence of the child. What does that say to them? That's how you deal with conflict, or something you are not happy with?"

Andrew Robinson, prosecuting, said the child had got on the bus in the Earby area and Hirst, who had been contacted by the child while on the vehicle, met the bus at Nelson.

The defendant approached the driver and became very aggressive. He was told it was not possible for the bus ticket to be swapped for a discounted one. The victim told him he might be able to speak to the bus station inspector about the situation.

Mr Robinson said Hirst shouted at Mr Czarkowski and the victim beeped his horn to get the inspector's attention. The defendant started laughing and was told to get off the bus. He then turned back and threw the punch. The assault was seen by people on the station and police were called.

Geoff Ireland, for Hirst, said he was not heavily convinced the assault was on the spur of the moment.

The child had forgotten to show their Saver's Card, entitling them to a young person's fare and had been charged the full adult fare. The child then realised they had the card and had been a bit upset when the driver was 'very curt' and told them to sit down. The child texted the defendant and Hirst got on the bus in Nelson to explain what had happened.

Mr Ireland said: "He accepts he has a short fuse."