Drink-drive school driver jailed

A school coach driver who was found drink-driving on his way to work has been jailed and banned from driving.

Roger Bass, 53, of Chelmsford in Essex, was due to start a school run at Brentwood County High School on 14 December when he was stopped by police.

Chelmsford Magistrates Court heard a breath test showed Bass, who has a previous drink-drive conviction, was well over the limit.

Bass was jailed for two months and banned from driving for three years.

The court heard Bass told police he had been out drinking the night before the offence and had drunk four cans of lager and two brandies.

'Children at risk'

When he woke the next day he said he felt fine and did not believe his driving would be impaired.

Bass, who had driven buses and taxis for most of his life, took full responsibility for his actions and told the court he had no wish to ever drive again.

Speaking outside court, police said if Bass had not been pulled over he could have "put the lives of children at risk".

Bass was employed by the Essex firm Regal Busways but was sacked when the offence came to light.