last night i was waiting on the bus stop as i am without wheels at the moment so i am having to use the bus everytime i go visit my folks

I am stood there on my own listening to my ipod (my new 60gb ipod)....when two lads walk up and stand near me. One of them was saying something to me but i couldnt hear him so i took my earphones out. These lads were about 17-19 and about the same size, build as me (i am about 5ft 11...fairly thick set)

I asked what the guy said and he says 'is that an ipod mate'...i replied with 'yes' and then he asked 'which one...is it a nano'. I informed him it wasnt and he asks to have a look at it. I get it out of my pocket and he asks if he can have a better look....then says 'pass it here'. Now there is no way i am going to pass this to anyone, let alone a yobbish looking 18 year old kid. I tell him 'nah your alright....there, you have seen it now'...he then says 'i said...pass it here...i aint going to nick it'...then his mate says 'and if he did what would you do'

now i aint a violent person by any stretch but at the same time if i get the feeling that anyone is taking the piss out of me or threatening me then i will stand up for myself. so the last comment sort of evoked a slight feeling of rage. I am already getting worked up thinking that they obviously have taken me for a mug.

I replied to that with 'well you aint going to nick it so i wont be doing anything'.....there was a long silence and then i get 'just pass it fucking here'. I just stood there not saying anything until one of them took a step towards me. I put my hands up saying i didnt want any bother and as soon as he was in range i basically punched him straight in the face (on the chin)....sending him against the bus shelter. I aint really proud of this but i am in no way letting somebody take my equipment (let alone something i paid the best part of £300 for)

Things then got a bit bizzare. I said to the other guy 'do you fucking want some....come on try and take it from me'....he then says in an almost frightened tone of voice 'what did you do that for....he only wanted to look at it you prick...there was no need for that' he then helped his mate up and they walked off calling me a cunt and i am sure one of them said he would get hold of the law!!

I have been retracing this incident in my head all day and wondering was i in the wrong....could i have done anything to avoid it....did i act a bit harshly or what???