DEPRESSED dad John Smith missed an appointment with a probation officer because he was too scared to travel on a bus to Cambridge, magistrates were told this week. So 41-year-old Smith could not be sentenced for assaulting his ex-partner by Ely magistrate

DEPRESSED dad John Smith missed an appointment with a probation officer because he was too scared to travel on a bus to Cambridge, magistrates were told this week.

So 41-year-old Smith could not be sentenced for assaulting his ex-partner by Ely magistrates this week, and his case was adjourned for a further three weeks for the probation service to write a report on him.

Homeless Smith had neither the confidence to travel on the bus, or enough money to pay his fare, said solicitor Michael Judkins.

"He has a repeat prescription for his problem," explained Mr Judkins. "He has good days and bad days, but could not manage the trip to Cambridge."

Forty-one-year-old Smith had earlier admitted assaulting his former partner when she met him with three of their children on his birthday, March 27.

Smith, who had been drinking, head-butted Lorraine Hart and then pushed her into some railings, leading to one of their children being hurt.