Bus driver is sacked over claims he was attacked by thugs

A BUS driver has been sacked after allegedly hitting himself on the head with a rock and claiming he had been the victim of stone-throwing thugs.

Shaun Cashley, 27, was initially suspended by Travel Dundee after claiming he was attacked by yobs in his bus last month.

The claims sparked a police investigation and there was a public appeal for witnesses.

Police did not name Mr Cashley, but said he had suffered head injuries.

But Mr Cashley was suspended by the Dundee's main bus operator, which is owned by National Express, after it emerged he may have fabricated the story in an attempt to claim compensation.

It is understood the suspension came after bus firm managers reviewed crucial CCTV evidence. Now, with the investigation concluded, National Express has sacked Mr Cashley.

A spokeswoman for the company confirmed: "Following an internal investigation, the driver no longer works for the company as a result of his actions during the incident."

Tayside Police are also investigating claims that Mr Cashley made up the story about having the stone thrown at him, reportedly in a bid to claim compensation.

If the force takes proceedings further, he could be charged with wasting police time.

Mr Cashley was unavailable for comment.

Police had said CCTV recordings could be key in tracking down the "mindless" vandals who driver said threw the stone at his number 28/29 single- decker bus.

The alleged attack came as he drove through Lochee on 28 July.

Mr Cashley suffered concussion and a cut to the forehead and was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee after saying he was struck by the stone while he was preparing to let a passenger off opposite Adamson's Court.

He was signed off work to recuperate from his injuries.

In the days following the police appeal, National Express Dundee director Lawrence Davie condemned the "mindless actions" of the yobs accused of stone-throwing.

An insider at Travel Dundee said the incident was a real talking point for the drivers. The source said: "The claim is that Shaun picked up a rock and used it to attack himself."

Bus drivers across the country have reported a recent increase in stone attacks on buses, with many injured as a result.