A BUS driver told how he shook with fear after a knifeman jumped on his vehicle and demanded cash.

Stephen Lonsdale Bayes told Burnley Crown Court he tried to kick the man, who was wearing a scarf around his face, off the bus and he turned and fled empty-handed after the split-second confrontation in Water, Rossendale.

Billy Kay, 21, of Burnley Road East, Waterfoot, denies attempting to rob Mr Bayes, last October.

Sarah Spear, prosecuting, said a woman saw the defendant in a back alleyway, wearing a baseball cap and with a scarf around his neck and thought he was up to no good.

She saw the bus in a bay, it looked as if a scuffle was taking place and then minutes later she saw Kay go back down the alleyway.

Miss Spear said police later went to the defendant's home and arrested him and when they seached the property, they found a scarf and baseball cap. He was interviewed and asked for his account of what happened.

Kay told officers two Asian lads had grabbed him and threatened him about some money, which he apparently owed to a debt collector.

He said the bus had pulled up and the two lads had given him a choice of having a fight with them or robbing the driver. Kay claimed they had given him the knife, but that only came out when the driver kicked him. He was scared, might have said "Give us your money," but didn't intend to rob the victim.

Miss Spear told the jury the prosecution said there was nobody at the bus stop and the defendant had fabricated his account about them.

Michael Lavery, defending, said there was no challenge to the substance of what Mr Bayes said.

Mr Bayes said the alleged offence happened in a split second and after Kay had gone, he was left frightened and shaking.

(Proceeding)