A man who spat at a bus driver and pulled out a knife has been jailed.

Michael Peterson, 53, of Birkbeck Road at Mill Lane, was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court on Wednesday (October 7) to 12 months' imprisonment following the incident.

The court heard how Peterson boarded a bus in High Road, Tottenham, on July 27 at 3.40am and the bus driver challenged Peterson for not paying as he entered.

Peterson then walked up to the driver's security shield and was making offensive remarks before he spat at the screen.

After spitting, he pulled out a large kitchen knife from under his jacket.

Police were called to the scene and Peterson was arrested.

He pleaded guilty at the Crown Court to using threatening words or behaviour and possessing a weapon.

Police Constable Chris Bowman, of the Met’s Road and Transport Policing Command, said: “This was a despicable incident in which a bus driver was threatened and abused for simply doing his job.

“Bus drivers provide a vital public service and I am glad the seriousness of Peterson’s aggressive behaviour has been recognised through the imposition of a custodial sentence.”