A catapult-wielding thug who fired a ball bearing into the face of a bus driver in Maidstone has been jailed for six years.

An unprovoked attack by Callum Walters earlier this year left Nestor De Barros with the solid steel object embedded into his cheek.

Walters, of Oaktree Avenue, Maidstoneran off following the assault in March, but was caught after a CCTV image of him was circulated in a Kent Police appeal.

On the day of the attack, the 18-year-old had been travelling on a bus through Maidstone.

He thought the route would take him home and became abusive to 33-year-old Mr De Barros when it instead terminated in Enterprise Road.

After Walters got off the vehicle Mr De Barros attempted to pull the bus away, but heard a loud bang.

He stopped to check for damage but found Walters waiting outside.

The teenager then fired a catapult at his victim from close range, lodging a ball bearing into his face.

CCTV images taken from the bus led to Walters being identified following a media appeal.

He was arrested on March 28 at his home, where police seized a catapult. He told officers it wasn’t the same one used in the attack - this had been thrown away.

A tin containing ball bearings was also discovered as well as a grey Nike top which matched the one Walters was wearing in the CCTV footage.

Walters was sentenced to 6 years in a young offenders’ institution at Maidstone Crown Court.

He had previously pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and to possessing an offensive weapon.

Detective Constable Lynda Birch said: "This was a cowardly and also completely unprovoked attack on a man who was simply trying to do his job.

"Walters took careful aim to ensure he struck the victim in the face and the consequences could have been far worse.

"The ball bearing was the size of a five pence piece and missed the victim’s eye by just an inch.

"He is now starting what is a substantial sentence and one which shows that violence on our streets will simply not tolerated."

Stories you might have missed

Train death victim named

Attempted murder charge after man shot through door

Mum on trial after toddler fell from first-floor window

'He will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him'