A DRUNKEN man who attacked a bus driver promised Burnley magistrates it would never happen again.

The court heard how recently bereaved and in-debt Stephen Goodger, 46, had gone on a binge before he got on the vehicle in the town's bus station.

The driver, Simon Hewitt, thought he had had a lot to drink but let him on. Trouble started after the defendant was sick and vomit started flowing down the bus.

Mr Hewitt was winded after Goodger hit him in the stomach, was left upset and shocked and had to take the rest of his shift off.

Goodger, of Beaufort Street, Nelson, had hung his head throughout his court appearance.

He was fined £250 and must pay £125 compensation and £65 costs.

Chairman Mrs Carol Stinson told him his behaviour had upset other passengers, the attack was unprovoked but he had shown remorse and co-operated with police.

Goodger admitted assault by beating and said: "I promise it won't happen again."

Philippa White, prosecuting, said Mr Hewitt had taken Goodger on the bus because he appeared quiet, though it seemed he had had a lot to drink.

During the journey, the driver's attention was drawn to liquid moving down the bus and stopped to investigate. He saw the defendant was slumped forward and had been sick.

Mr Hewitt immediately rang the depot for a replacement bus and asked the passengers to wait outside.

Goodger got up, pushed the driver and walked away from the vehicle. He then turned and swung the flat of his hand at Mr Hewitt, hitting him in the stomach.

Mr Hewitt was winded, knocked backwards and was shocked and upset. Goodger walked away.

Mrs White said when arrested and interviewed, Goodger could not remember anything about going on a bus and an assault.

Bill Berry, defending, said Goodger apologised unreservedly for his appalling behaviour.

He had recently lost his father, with whom he lived, had been worrying about debts and been on a drinking spree.