A DRUNKEN ex-soldier boarded a bus with a kitchen knife after trying to hit a fellow bus passenger, North Somerset Courthouse was told.

Robert Walker, 38, attempted to punch Christos Georgeou after a row broke out at a bus stop on Worle High Street on July 3.

The argument began when a delivery van pulled into the bus stop and Walker told the driver to park elsewhere. When Mr Georgeou told him it had nothing to do with him, the row escalated.

Rebecca Gardner, prosecuting, said Walker tried to punch Mr Georgeou but missed and stumbled to the floor.

The row was diffused by passing firefighters who called the police.

Walker boarded the next number seven bus but Mr Georgeou decided to wait for the police.

Ms Gardner told the court that police tracked down the bus and arrested Walker before he got off.

When he spotted the police he buried a large black handled kitchen knife into his seat but was seen by other passengers.

Ms Gardner, prosecuting, said it was a ‘volatile situation’ but emphasised Walker did not threaten anyone with the knife.

Walker, of Milton Road, Weston, pleaded guilty to carrying the weapon and threatening Mr Georgeou.

Judith Mills, defending, said Walker had suffered from alcoholism consistently since leaving the army for medical reasons in 1993 but told the court he was receiving help.

She said he was also being medically treated for bipolar and post-traumatic stress syndrome.

The case was adjourned for sentencing until tomorrow (Fri).