A man accused of punching a B.C. Transit bus driver pleaded not guilty Thursday in Victoria provincial court.

Joseph John Janzen is charged with assaulting the 54-year-old driver at Uptown shopping centre on Dec. 26.

On Thursday, the 21-year-old told the court he intends to represent himself.

Janzen, who appeared with headphones slung around his neck and carrying a plaid umbrella, was advised by a court official to seek legal advice because the Crown intends to call six witnesses.

A trial date has been set for Oct.7.

In December, Saanich police said a bus driver was punched in the face after he blocked a man from leaving by the front door of the bus. The driver asked the man to use the back door because he was helping someone in a wheelchair disembark. The man refused and attacked the driver.

Other passengers who witnessed the assault grabbed the man and held him until police arrived.

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