Judge Paul Conlon was referring to a frenzied attack by James Joseph Elphick on bus driver Ian Chalmers on February 11 this year.

Elphick, fuelled by alcohol, subjected Mr Chalmers to a sustained, unprovoked assault.

WARNING: This footage of the attack is extremely violent and is suitable for mature audiences only.

He repeatedly kicked the driver in the head, arms and back, leaving him bloodied and dazed as he struggled to maintain control of the bus for a kilometre between Blackbutt and Shellharbour.

Elphick was sentenced to two years' jail with 18 months non-parole on Wednesday.

Judge Conlon said he was aware some people were offended the video had been shown on the Illawarra Mercury website but he had no regrets.

"There are some cases where I believe it is appropriate for the community to see what has occurred," he said.

"Society can become anaesthetised to words printed in a paper about violent crimes, with the impact on the victims sometimes lost."

Judge Conlon also wanted the community to see the bravery that was displayed by Mr Chalmers, which he said was in stark contrast to the offender's cowardice.

"It (the video) shows an amazing presence of mind to continue to keep control of the bus to avoid horrific consequences to other road users," he said.

"To think Mr Chalmers was able to do this in the face of such extreme violence, and placing the safety of others before himself, indicates a backbone and strength of character that is rarely seen."

Transport Workers Union South Coast secretary Richard Olsen said he was disappointed that Premier Illawarra, which employs Mr Chalmers, had not put in place improvements to ensure such an an attack did not happen again.

"The video shows that Mr Chalmers was attacked from behind so the very least we would expect would be a safety co-ordinator to be on a late-night route like this," he said.

Premier Illawarra declined to comment.