James Anthony Shepherd was so belligerent and aggressive towards the victim, a veteran driver with almost four decades of experience, passengers were forced to step in and restrain him while awaiting police assistance.

Court documents reveal Shepherd got on the southbound bus on Burelli Street around 5.45pm on September 6 and immediately began swearing at other passengers, prompting the driver to rebuke him.

When Shepherd started swearing and threatening people again a few minutes later, the driver contacted his bosses, who told him to pull the vehicle over and wait for police assistance.

However, Shepherd then approached the driver and, angry they weren’t moving, began punching the victim, who put his arms over his head to protect himself.

Shepherd was escorted off the bus by passengers, however managed to turn and throw a can of beer towards the driver before the door closed. The bottle hit the driver’s side window and caused it to smash.

Shepherd then ran east on Bank Street. He was arrested a short time later on nearby Stewart Street.

Shepherd continued his tirade of abuse, this time directing it at arresting officers, who were eventually able to tackle him to the ground and handcuff him.

Shepherd was charged with assault and property damage offences and released on bail.

The court heard he was charged again earlier this month after assaulting an 11-year-old boy and his mother, who had taken Shepherd into their home for a few days after he told them he had nowhere to live.

In court on Monday, Magistrate Mark Douglass described both offences as serious and adjourned the case to Wednesday for Shepherd to see a court-appointed psychologist, who will prepare a background report ahead for consideration on sentencing.

Shepherd remains behind bars, bail refused.