Offaly school bus driver pleads guilty to careless driving

THE driver of a school bus which ended up on its side after colliding with a car in Tullamore a year ago was fined €500 at the local District Court.

Judge Cephas Power said it would not be appropriate to disqualify 58-year-old Jacek Nanga, Carraig Cluain, Tullamore because he had been driving for 38 years and the incident was a once-off.

A plea of guilty to careless driving was entered on Mr Nanga's behalf by his solicitor, Donal Farrelly.

The court heard that on March 23 last year at Collins Lane, at the junction with Ballin Ri, a school bus and a silver Toyota Auris were involved in an accident, but neither driver was injured.

A witness stated the bus had failed to stop and collided with the other vehicle. There were three passengers on the bus but they were not harmed.

The court heard weather conditions were poor on the day and the accused had no previous convictions.

Mr Farrelly said the defendant was a Polish national and father of two who drove for Carroll's coaches and had previously driven army trucks in Poland.

In all, he had driven without incident for 38 years and on the occasion of the Tullamore collision the driving conditions were very bad.

The solicitor added that his client was the sole earner in his family and he handed in a recommendation from his employer.

Judge Power gave Mr Nanga three months to pay the €500 fine.