Man drove with girl on dashboard

Police have described Mr Webb's actions as "arrogant"

A coach driver faces being disqualified for driving on a busy dual carriageway with a child perched on his dashboard as he spoke on a mobile phone.

Jack Webb, 53, from Egerton Street in Wrexham, was spotted by police in an unmarked car on the A5 in February.

He was caught on camera with the phone in one hand while closing the driver's window with the other at Colcott Hill.

Shrewsbury magistrates said they were considering banning Mr Webb, who admitted driving carelessly.

The court heard he was recorded by traffic officers on video on the A5, between Shrewsbury and Oswestry, on 15 February.

Mr Webb was on a mobile phone with a girl aged about seven or eight sitting cross-legged on the dashboard of the Volvo coach.

The picture of this little girl precariously sat on the dashboard without any safety restraint while the driver is chatting on his mobile phone is frightening Sgt Steve Walker

David Hunter, prosecuting, told the court: "For a short time, Mr Webb did not have either hand on the steering wheel. One was on the mobile phone, one on the window."

He initially denied driving without due care and attention, but pleaded guilty in a fax sent to Shrewsbury Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

In a statement read by the court clerk, Mr Webb said he answered a call from his employer informing him a pick-up point for his passengers had changed.

The statement read: "I have now thrown my mobile phone away and don't have one any more. I apologise to the court... It will never happen again."

Speaking after the case, Sgt Steve Walker from West Mercia Police said: "The actions of this bus driver show a blatant disregard for those responsibilities.

"They display arrogance, complacency and a lack of awareness towards road safety.

"The picture of this little girl precariously sat on the dashboard without any safety restraint while the driver is chatting on his mobile phone is frightening.

"He seems to be totally unaware of the potential dangers."

The case was adjourned for sentencing on 2 November.