A SCHOOL bus driver who ignored two road closed signs and one stretch of water before getting his vehicle stuck has been jailed.
Graham Stanley Jones, 53, was driving 23 children to Easingwold School on January 5 along Tollerton Lane, when his vehicle became stuck in waist-high floodwater caused by the Christmas flooding.
Jones, who admitted careless driving but pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving, was convicted today by a jury of the more serious offence.
He was immediately sentenced to 12 months in prison, and a three-year driving ban. He had previously served a two-year driving ban for unrelated drink driving.
Jones, arriving at York Crown Court.
North Yorkshire Police today released this video of the scene.
A police spokeswoman said: "The outcome of this case reflects the gravity of the situation, the potential consequences, and how serious the court took this incident.
"It should send a clear warning to drivers not to ignore road closure signs that are put in place to protect people, and to heed the dangers of driving through flood water."
The Recorder of York Paul Batty QC said Jones - who had an "exemplary" 34-year service record in the armed forces prior to becoming a bus driver - would also have to take an extended driving test before he could get behind the wheel again.
Sentencing Jones, Judge Batty said: "Having managed to get through the first extensive area of flooded road, you then came upon the second, much more extensive area of flooded road.
"It was basically an expanse of water as far as the eye could see. There was absolutely no indication whatsoever of the depth of the water. Notwithstanding that, you took the decision, goodness knows why, to drive through it. Of course, the inevitable happened."
He said the driver had shown "vaunted arrogance" in his trial.
"You certinaly had no comprehension of the risk you put those children in and the potential consequences that oculd have been great because of your dangerous, reckless act.
"This was, in my view, an extremely bad case of dangerous driving."
More to follow.
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