Published: Friday, 16th May, 2008 16:30
Bus driver caught on phone
By Brian Hossack
Print Article
Greenock Sheriff Court
A BUS driver was caught by cops texting his daughter on a mobile phone — as he pulled away from a bus stop in rush-hour traffic.
The sheriff court heard David Hood, 38, was seen using his mobile by traffic police as he drove the bus full of people along Eldon Street in Greenock.
Despite admitting the offence at the sheriff court yesterday, Hood was allowed to keep his licence.
Depute fiscal Nadine Dormer said the driver was nabbed by eagle-eyed officers out on mobile patrol on 5 February this year. She told the court: “It was around 5.20pm and officers saw the accused driving the vehicle, pulling away from the bus stop while holding a mobile phone in his right hand.
“He was followed along the road for a short distance with police observing him before he was stopped. He admitted using the phone and told police he was texting his daughter as she was being bullied.”
During his appearance in the dock, Hood, of Pentland Avenue, Port Glasgow, admitted driving while using a hand-held communications device placing him in a position where he was not fully in control of a vehicle carrying passengers.
Defending himself before Sheriff David Hall, Hood said he had been simply checking on his daughter’s welfare because of the tough time she was suffering at school.
He added: “My daughter was being bullied going to and coming home from school.
“She had been very upset and I was just trying to make sure she was all right. I was uptight around that time because of what was happening to her.”
Passing sentence, Sheriff Hall said: “Being a professional driver you should really have known better, however I will give you credit for your early guilty plea.
“This means your fine will be £200, rather than £300.
“You will also have four points added to your licence.”
Hood, who earns around £230 a week, was allowed to pay the fine at £10 per week.
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