Man attacked fellow bus passenger with bat in row over loud music
A man who hit a fellow bus passenger over the head with a wooden bat after a row about his loud music has been spared jail.
Nathaniel Robinson, aged 39, clashed with Suresh Kumar while travelling on the No 4 service between West Bromwich and Walsall, a judge heard.
The pair had a 'disagreement' over the level at which the music was being played which continued after they left the bus, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.
Robinson rang the bell to get off at the stop near the Hargate Arms pub in All Saints Way, West Bromwich, and was followed by Mr Kumar.
The defendant, who suffers from mental health issues including paranoia, feared the other man was about to attack him and pulled out a wooden baton after they had both disembarked.
He struck the victim over the head causing a cut that required six stitches, explained Mr Richard Davenport, prosecuting.
Mr Kumar hit back in self defence, punching Robinson twice and knocking him over a wall.
The defendant ran away following the incident on November 10 2017 and was not traced until February of this year, the court heard.
He was convicted of malicious wounding and possession of an offensive weapon after a trial and had been remanded for pre-sentence reports.
Reports from a psychiatrist and a probation officer both suggested a mental health order served in the community rather than an immediate prison sentence, said Miss Sophie Murray, defending.
Robinson, from Old Meeting Street, West Bromwich, was given a 15-month jail term suspended for two years with a mental health treatment requirement by Judge Simon Ward who told him: "I do not doubt that you thought he was going to attack you.
"I am sure this is the best sentence for the general public because prison could have an adverse effect on your mental health.
"I hope that in two years time your life will be on a firmer footing."
