Police officer thrown from bus after drink driver takes wheel

A DRINK driver left a trail of damage after getting behind the wheel of a bus with passengers, police and paramedics on board.

Frank Kennedy took control of the number 66 First Bus in Glasgow before crashing into an ambulance and other vehicles.

The driver and a female police officer were thrown from the bus as the 27-year-old veered across the road.

The scene unfolded after emergency staff were called to help Kennedy’s friend, who had been attacked.

A sheriff yesterday branded the incident “madness”.

Kennedy will be sentenced next month after admitting to a string of charges.

He had been on board the bus on 2 September with friend, Steven McNee.

McNee was later assaulted by another passenger and driver Pawel Smetek stopped the vehicle in Dumbarton Road, Yoker, Glasgow.

Mr Smetek left his cab to dial 999 – but the key remained in the ignition as it was fixed. Emergency staff soon arrived before Kennedy, who did not have a licence, was spotted getting behind the wheel.

Bernard Ablett, prosecuting, told Glasgow Sheriff Court there were eight other passengers on board, as well as two police officers and three paramedics.

Witnesses watched as drunken Kennedy revved the bus and moved off.

Chaos ensued as constables Alana MacKinnon and Karin Buchanan tried to grab Kennedy, who swerved the single-decker.

Mr Smetek and PC Buchanan were thrown from the door of the bus before Kennedy smashed into a paramedic vehicle and an MG sports car.

Mr Ablett said: “The paramedics and some of the civilian bus passengers attempted to assist a police officer who was continuing to struggle with the accused.

“The bus veered across the road, striking the police vehicle and an ambulance. The result of this collision also damaged a fence, which in turn struck a motor vehicle.

“The bus came to a halt at an angle across Dumbarton Road.

“Paramedics on board helped to restrain the accused as did some of the passengers.”

Kennedy was eventually handcuffed. He was charged and said to police: “What do you think I will get for this?”

The front of the bus was badly damaged. PC Buchanan was treated for a knee injury.

Liam Ewing, defending, said Kennedy was “heavily intoxicated” and was sorry. He said: “It defies explanation or rational analysis and clearly must be linked to alcohol, although he knows this is no excuse.”

Sheriff Norman Ritchie, QC, remanded Kennedy in custody and deferred sentencing for reports. He said: “This is just madness, this incident I’ve been told about. Your record is terrible.”