Amity school bus driver, Gary Charles Coulter, caught drink driving taking busload of kids to school

A Stradbroke Island bus driver has faced court after being caught drink driving while taking a busload of children to school.

A Stradbroke Island bus driver has faced court after picking up a busload of schoolchildren following a drinking session.

Amity resident, Gary Charles Coulter, 66, pleaded guilty in Cleveland Magistrates Court Monday, September 12 to one count of driving while over the general alcohol limit.

The court heard Coulter was pulled over for inspection in Amity on his route to drop off schoolchildren.

“He stated he had consumed liquor on the Thursday night (the night before the incident),” police prosecutor Constable Agresta said.

“He said he usually had white wine and orange juice, one or two glasses at home, before his bus trips,” Constable Agresta said.

Gary Charles Coulter leaving Cleveland Court.

Coulter returned a breath analysis reading of 0.079 per cent.

“There is an extreme level of due care driving a school bus,” Constable Agresta said.

“This behaviour should not be condoned at all.

“It puts a lot of people at risk.”

Acting Magistrate Ross Woodford said it was a serious act.

“The more serious matter is the fact that you were driving a school bus,” Mr Woodford said.

“Their lives are in your hands.”

Coulter, who was self represented, admitted to his actions.

“I’m guilty sir,” Coulter said.

He was convicted, fined $600 and disqualified from driving for nine months.