A middle-aged man who headbutted a teenager on a bus in Swindon for a “bizarre” reason must pay hundreds of pounds.

Wayne Hobbs, 50, of Welcombe Avenue, Swindon attacked the 17-year-old stranger after he refused to let him use his internet hotspot.

Hobbs was given a community order with £500 in compensation at Swindon Magistrates' Court on July 23 after he previously pleaded guilty to common assault at the same court.

The court heard that the Hobbs left the teen “petrified” after headbutting and verbally abusing him. 

Hobbs got on the bus after the teenager, who observed the man was “unstable on foot”.

Adam Cooper, prosecuting, explained that Hobbs asked the boy if he could use his mobile internet hotspot, a request the boy refused as he felt uncomfortable.

“Hobbes sat right behind the victim," said Cooper. "The victim turned around and Hobbs headbutted him in the forehead and on the right side of the head

He continued: “The young man is petrified and shaking and calls a family member to meet him.”

“Mr Hobbes said, ‘watch your back now. If you leave the bus I will follow you and beat the s**t out of you’.

“This left the victim even more petrified.”

Hobbes went as if to headbutt him again through the window before leaving and being arrested a short time afterwards.

A victim statement read: “This incident left me absolutely terrified and it affected my mental health because people like him will be on the bus and will assault absolutely anyone.”The attack happened on a bus in Swindon

Gordon Hotson, representing Hobbes, said Hobbs thought the victim was older than 17, but “clearly stated the complainant was frightened and concerned about using the bus”.

The court heard Hobbs has a history of drinking and drank 21 cans a day at one point. He is reportedly proud of getting himself off drugs but had been drinking on the day of the incident.

“He has no explanation why he behaved in that way after a bizarre conversation”, Mr Hotson said, “but life is moving forward very positively for him.”

Hobbs, who has previous convictions for 57 convictions, was heard to be looking forward to being reunited with his own children in the future.

He was given a community order, with 30 rehabilitation days and £500 compensation. He must comply with the responsible officer’s instructions to attend appointments or to participate in any activity.