Bus driver chased snowball youths with knife

Preston Lodowica lost his temper after being attacked with snowballs (file photo)

A bus driver who wielded a knife as he chased a group of youths who threw snowballs at him has been fined £300.

Preston Lodowica, 53, had stopped at Killingworth Shopping Centre, in North Tyneside, on 1 December last year when several teens aged between 14 and 16 pelted him with snowballs, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

He grabbed a fruit knife and chased them for a short way, before being challenged by a security guard.

He was given a 12-month community order with a fine after admitting possessing a bladed article and using threatening language.

The court heard Lodowica, of Victoria Mews in Blyth, had lost his job with Go North East as a result, but had since found work with another firm, who were fully aware of what he had done.

After being arrested, he told police he would never have hurt anyone and only wanted to scare the youths.

Recorder Mark Giuliani told Lodowica: "You do not scare children away with a knife in public, it is clearly dangerous."

The judge said he accepted the bus driver was "frustrated" but his actions were "completely unacceptable", adding he was an adult who should show a good example.

Lodowica was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to the security guard who reported him to police, and could be jailed for seven days if he fails to pay the fine.