Boozy bus driver who dropped a coach full of children to school while THREE TIMES drink-drive limit is spared jail
Sheriff Robert Fife blasts Stephen McColgan, 52, after he was pulled over dropping off Bridge of Weir pupils following tip-off - but spares him custodial sentence
AN alcoholic school bus driver who ferried primary kids around while more than THREE TIMES the booze limit was spared jail today.
Stephen McColgan, 52, was blasted for "putting lives at risk" after he pulled over by cops acting on a tip-off from a member of the public who smelt alcohol on his breath.
The head teacher at Bridge of Weir Primary in Renfrewshire alerted cops after a member of the public spoke to McGolgan and detected alcohol on his breath.
But he walked free today after a sheriff was told he has taken steps to get treatment for his alcohol addiction.
But Sheriff Robert Fife blasted him for his actions.
He told Paisley Sheriff Court: “I don't intend to go in to the facts and circumstances of the case but this was a very serious incident.
"Fortunately, there was no incident, but it is the health and safety aspect which is of concern to the court - you were putting young lives at risk.”
McColgan picked up the children at around 3pm from the school on Friday, September 9, last year and was caught by police a short time later - after he'd dropped the children off at their stops.
McColgan was arrested and held in police custody for three nights before appearing in court and pleading guilty.
After hearing that McColgan had been sacked by coach firm Gibson Direct as a result of his conviction, Sheriff Fife adjourned the case for him to be assessed by social workers and seek help for his alcohol addiction.
When McColgan returned to the dock today to learn his fate, defence solicitor Tony Callahan said McColgan had managed to turn his life around and was now sober.
The lawyer explained: "He is in a far better place than he once was.
"He was actively seeking employment and is now hoping to start a job, in the not too distant future, as a stock taker - having been for the interview and passed it."
Sheriff Fife said he would have jailed McColgan if he had any previous convictions.
But, as he is a first offender, he ordered him to carry out 300 hours' unpaid work over the next 12 months and banned him from driving for three years.
As he did so, he warned McColgan that he would be caged if he steps out of line again.
Sheriff Fife said: "There will be a review in three months' time.
"I expect a positive report every time you come to court, otherwise I'll just revoke the order and send you to prison."
A relieved McColgan, of Renfrew, near Glasgow, will return to the dock in March to see how he is progressing on the structured punishment.
Gibson Direct did not respond to repeated requests for comment on the incident.
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