A DRUNKEN 17-year-old stuck a gun to the head of a Bolton bus driver when he refused to hand over a pound coin, a court heard.

As terrified passengers cowered in their seats, brave bus driver David Weilding-Evans refused the demands of Craig Jones, of Hollycroft Avenue, Bolton.

Jones refused to leave the bus and stuck the gun to the driver's head, shouting: "Give me a quid or I will blow your head off!"

The driver grabbed the gun and at the same time managed to press a panic button to call police. When they arrived and arrested Jones he started sobbing.

Jones admitted attempted robbery and possession of an imitation fire arm and appeared at Bolton Crown Court for sentencing.

Prosecutor Maisie Burke said that on December 22 last year Jones boarded a bus going to Harwood. When the bus reached Thicketford Road in Tonge Moor he approached the driver and demanded £1 and when he refused, claimed he had a gun.

Graham Robinson, defending, said Jones had drunk a cocktail of alcohol including whisky, vodka, sherry, and lager.

He realised he was in court for just £1 and that the passengers must have been terrified. Judge William Morris said: "There is growing concern about the clear increase of violent crimes from young men like yourself."

Imposing an 18 month Detention and Training Order, the Judge said he accepted it was an impulsive act when Jones was intoxicated.

Simon Bennett, managing director of First bus company, said: "We're pleased this event has now reached a satisfactory conclusion. Our staff work very hard to provide a safe, dependable, and reliable service, and it is entirely unacceptable that they should be exposed to the trauma that events such as this bring."

He said they hoped to see the introduction of a Safer Travel Partnership in Bolton similar to the one which operates in Wigan.