A NATIONAL Express driver who ploughed his coach into a police car on the A338 has ten previous driving offences, a court heard.

David Read, who was found guilty of dangerous driving after smashing his coach into a police car in the early hours of February 2, has a previous conviction for driving without due care and attention and one of driving while using a mobile phone.

He also has eight offences of failing to comply with a tachograph on his record.

His past offences came to light when he appeared before Bournemouth magistrates for sentence following the February incident, which happened when a police dog was in the car.

The 38-year-old, who lives in Branksome Wood Road, Bournemouth, was given a 12-month community order, to include 250 hours unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay costs of £620 and banned from driving for 12 months, after which he will have to take an extended driving test before he can drive again.

He had pleaded not guilty to the offence but was convicted following a trial last month.

The court heard there were 11 passengers on the coach, six of whom suffered whiplash, one bruising and one shock.

District Judge Stephen Nicholls was told the police car had stopped on an unlit stretch of the A338 at 3am to deal with a broken-down vehicle.

The police car was pushed 80m down the road, while the dog, called Acer, was still inside the vehicle. The dog was checked over by a vet following the incident and was found to be unhurt.

The road was closed for several hours following the accident.

Defending, James Moore said Read, a father-of-three with another child on the way, had been blinded by the lights of an oncoming vehicle, which had affected his vision.

"When he saw the vehicle it was too late" he said. "He has lost his licence and employment. This has had a profound effect on him."

Following the trial, a National Express spokesperson said: "The safety of our customers and other road users is always our number one priority and the driver involved in this highly unusual and regrettable incident was immediately suspended and no longer drives for National Express."

When asked how Mr Read came to be drining the coach despite his record, they said: "The safety of our passengers and other road users is always our number one priority. A thorough investigation into this highly unusual case is already underway."

Occupants of broken-down van moved seconds before crash 

TWO occupants of the broken-down van were moved to safety seconds before the National Express coach ploughed into the back of the police car.

Sgt Andy Wallbridge asked them to move behind the crash barrier for their own safety, said a spokesman for Dorset Police.

Following the crash, Sgt Wallbridge checked on the welfare of all involved, including the 11 people on the coach.

Acer was taken to see a vet the following morning but was back at work a week later.
Speaking after the court case, Inspector Matt Butler said: "This case illustrates the dangers faced by those working on our roads, including maintenance crews, refuse workers and emergency services.

"Sgt Wallbridge had left his blue flashing lights and rear red lights on as a warning to motorists approaching the incident. For whatever reason David Read failed to see the warning lights that morning and as a result he collided with the police car. Thankfully no one was seriously injured.

"I would like to remind motorists to take care when driving and remember that there could be an unexpected hazard around any corner. Be alert and allow yourself ample braking time."