Girl catches bus driver on mobile

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/north_east/8152254.stm

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A bus driver has been fined £70 after an 11-year-old girl filmed him using his mobile phone during a school run.

Prestatyn magistrates heard how the footage showed Colin Minall, 71, from Rhyl, Denbighshire, taking both hands off the steering wheel.

His solicitor said there was a "huge irony" as he had taken a call from bosses asking why his bus was late.

Minall, who was driving the 35-seater bus to and from schools in Chester to Denbighshire, has since left the firm.

He had worked for Egerton's on a contract to take pupils to and from Queen's and King's Schools in Chester.

Indirectly it was the parents who caused the offence to be committed by being concerned as to where their kids were Robert Vickery, defending

The court heard how Minall held the phone to his left ear with his right hand, and steered with his left.

He then used his left hand to change gear as he drove along the A547 between Dyserth and Meliden.

The girl showed the clip - recorded on her mobile phone - to her parents, who reported the matter to police.

Minall was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving but pleaded guilty to careless driving and was fined £70 with £75 costs.

Four points have also been put on his licence.

Robert Vickery, defending, said there was a "huge irony" because it was Minall's employers who had rung him to ask where he was, as parents were concerned that their children were 45 minutes late arriving.

"Indirectly it was the parents who caused the offence to be committed by being concerned as to where their kids were," he added.

Speaking after the court case, coach company boss Ian Egerton said: "He had been warned before. He was asked to leave as we couldn't possibly chance it again."