Bus driver protects children from dangerous driver
A coach driver who was transporting 80 children has been praised by police after a dangerous motorist was convicted.
Essex Police said the man reported the owner of the white BMW, which they said was being driven recklessly near Chelmsford in March last year.
The suspect had reversed against the flow of traffic in order to pursue the coach.
The BMW motorist pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and was sentenced to six months' imprisonment, suspended for a year.
Officers said the incident unfolded on the A130 dual carriageway at about 16:00 GMT on 25 March.
The BMW had become caught between the coach and the side of the road, clipping the curb.
Police said the driver responded by pursuing the coach in a "reckless" manner and the coach operator diverted the bus onto a slip road to evade the BMW.
However, the dangerous driver braked and reversed into the flow of traffic in order to pursue the bus.
The pair came to a stop and the coach driver waited in a layby after calling 999.
Insp James Freeman said: "This type of driving will not be tolerated."
At Chelmsford Magistrates' Court, he was also ordered to complete 150 hours' community service and was banned from driving for 18 months.
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