A YOUNG crack cocaine user who threatened a bus driver causing him to suffer a heart attack has been spared a custodial sentence.

Jake Tolley, 19, of Ridsdale Road, Anerley, verbally abused 66-year-old Frederick Porter on a route 354 bus in Beckenham.

He tried to pull open the drivers cabin but Mr Porter quickly pulled it shut.

Tolley, who was drunk at the time of the incident last April, also pushed an elderly passenger.

He then got off the bus before Mr Porter suffered a non-fatal heart attack.

Tolley was sentenced at Bromley magistrates court on Thursday after pleading guilty to common assault and threatening words and behaviour.

Magistrates imposed a 10-week detention sentence suspended for 18-months and ordered Tolley to pay £100 compensation to both of his victims.

Tolley, who works part time at Sainsbury’s, will also undergo a supervision order and alcohol treatment for 12 months.

Shahid Mumtaz defending said Tolley had alcohol problems and had started to use crack cocaine.

Chair of the bench Jim Connor told Tolley: “All members of the public have a right to travel safely and without fear on public transport.

“All members of staff also have right to work without being harassed or put in fear for their safety.

He added: “I think you can consider yourself very fortunate that you are not going straight into custody.”