Man jailed for 14 months over drunken attack on bus driver near Newcastle

A man has been sentenced to at least 14 months behind bars over an attack on a bus driver near Newcastle.

The attack, which happened two years ago, began after Matthew James McAlister was ordered off the bus at Raymond Terrace for being drunk.

The 28-year-old responded by repeatedly punching the driver, hitting him over the head with a bottle of alcohol and stomping on him, a court heard.

The attack was captured on camera and McAlister pleaded guilty to the assault.

He issued an apology to the victim last week, which led a reduced jail term of 14 months without parole.

Judge Dina Yehia said McAlister had suffered from mental health issues and had an abusive childhood, but she believed he had reasonable prospects of rehabilitation.

"I am satisfied he is genuinely remorseful and contrite," she said.

McAlister will be eligible for parole next July.