A MAN smashed up a bus with a fire extinguisher because the driver refused to alter his route, a court heard today (Tuesday April 2).

On the evening of Friday, March 22, Adam Lee Sheel, 22, caught an Arriva bus in Shildon, hoping to get to Darlington.

Magistrates heard that the bus driver had told Sheel – the only passenger on the bus – that the service would terminate at Heighington.

When the bus driver stopped in Heighington and asked Sheel to leave, he refused and demanded the driver take him to Darlington.

Claire Brinton, prosecuting, said: “He became aggressive and insisted the bus did go to Darlington. He became more and more intimidating and threatened to take the driver’s fare.

“He continued his aggressive behaviour by picking up a fire extinguisher and throwing it at the windscreen, smashing it. He then picked it up again, appearing to aim it at the driver before throwing it at the bus doors, smashing them.”

Sheel, of Louisa Street, Darlington, was later arrested and admitted causing damage to the bus, saying he had been drunk at the time of the incident and could not recall what had been said between him and the driver.

He pleaded guilty to charges of common assault and criminal damage at Darlington Magistrate’s Court today.

He will appear before magistrates again on Tuesday, April 23. He has been bailed until that date, with the condition that he does not travel on any Arriva bus or enter any Arriva property.