A man who used threatening behaviour towards a revenue protection inspector on a London bus has been sentenced to three months in prison.

Transport for London will not tolerate staff being verbally or physically abused

Lance Joseph, 22, of Hailsham Avenue, Streatham, was sentenced yesterday (November 3) at Camberwell Magistrates Court.

The incident took place last year on September 24 2004, when Revenue Protection Inspectors boarded a 436 bus.

One inspector had asked Joseph for his ticket, whereupon he was subject to threatening and abusive language and behaviour.

A TfL spokesperson said: 'We are pleased that the court has judged this case as seriously as we have and given a custodial sentence.

'Transport for London will not tolerate staff being verbally or physically abused.

'They are entitled to be able to carry out their work without the fear of threats and violence.'

Joseph was found guilty of using threatening and abusive language and behaviour.

He was also found guilty of two breaches of the public service vehicle regulations, having no ticket and giving false details.