Bus driver Robert Haydon Aldersey assaulted workmate after years of bullying

A bus driver fed up with years of harassment and pranks at work punched a man he believed interfered with the bus he was about to take on the afternoon run.

A bus driver and workplace bullying victim retaliated to years of abuse by punching a fellow driver he believed interfered with his vehicle.

On his first appearance at the Mount Gambier Magistrate Court, Robert Haydon Aldersey, 64, pleaded guilty to assault.

The colleagues were preparing for the afternoon run when Alsersey approached the man he believed had tampered with his bus on February 12.

Robert Haydon Aldersey pleaded guilty to assaulting a colleague at the Mount Gambier Magistrate Court on Thursday. Picture: Jessica Ball

The police prosecutor said the victim opened his bus door to speak to the “agitated” accused and pushed him in the stairwell.

Alsersey then put him in a headlock and punched him to the head and face a number of times leading to cuts and a minor blood nose before a manager intervened and separated the men.

Defence lawyer Jarrad Sims outlined more than two years of “significant workplace bullying” which Alsersey said had continued despite being raised with management on several occasions.

“The bullying included writing extremely derogatory remarks on the workplace whiteboard, locking him out of sheds and things on purpose and interfering with the bus he was driving like disconnecting windscreen washer tubes,” Mr Sims said.

“His bus had been interfered with and convinced the victim in this matter was the instigator of the bullying and went to confront him.”

Robert Haydon Aldersey pleaded guilty to assaulting a colleague at the Mount Gambier Magistrate Court on Thursday. Picture: Jessica Ball

Mr Sims argued Alsersey, who was committed to helping disadvantaged children at the Independent Learning Centre was “embarrassed and incredibly remorseful” and should be spared a conviction.

“It was initially a self preservation, self defence type of action, but what followed was not,” he said.

“He admits he took things too far.”

Magistrate Maria Panagiotidis said Alsersey had retaliated after continuous bullying did not record a conviction.

“You had been the victim of workplace bullying for some two years and despite your reports to management, it continued on the days of this offence,” Magistrate Panagiotidis said.

“You are 64 years of age and have never been in trouble before you have a good reputation in the community, and you contribute by volunteering to community groups and others in need.

“Your work at the Learning Centre and other community activities will be jeopardised if a conviction was recorded.”

Alsersey was ordered to pay a fine of $420 plus court fees.