A Northern Ireland school bus driver narrowly avoided a prison sentence after being caught driving while more than four times over the legal alcohol limit, with a bus full of children. Peter Gray, aged 43, was stopped after concerns were raised regarding his erratic driving. District Judge Mark Hamill, describing the incident as “appalling,” stated that only Gray’s mental health crisis at the time prevented a jail sentence, as the potential consequences could have been “catastrophic.”
Gray, from Drumadoon Drive, Dundonald, faced charges for two separate drink-driving offences within a two-month period. The first occurred in March, while he was driving the school bus, and the second in May, when he was discovered intoxicated in an Asda car park in Dundonald. At Newtownards Magistrates’ Court, he admitted guilt to both offences, leading the judge to impose an 18-month probation period, 200 hours of community service, and a five-year driving ban.
The court heard that on 19 March, police were alerted to the Ulster Hospital by the Education Board after reports emerged that a school bus driver was intoxicated. Upon arrival, officers found Gray at the hospital with children still on board, and he was visibly under the influence. A subsequent blood test revealed an alarming alcohol level of 331 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath—over four times the UK legal limit of 80.
Gray’s next incident occurred on 11 May when he was found in the driver’s seat of a VW Golf at an Asda car park following a minor collision. A breath test administered by police recorded a reading of 189 micrograms, more than five times the legal limit of 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres.
Judge Hamill highlighted the gravity of Gray’s actions, calling the case “appalling” and noting the potential for a “catastrophic” outcome. The judge revealed that Gray had expressed suicidal thoughts, including thoughts about the children in his care, a fact confirmed by the pre-sentence report.
Defending Gray, barrister Conan Rea conceded the severity of the situation, adding that Gray’s driving career was “effectively over.” Rea pointed out that Gray had no prior criminal record, had cooperated fully by entering guilty pleas, and was under significant mental health strain at the time of both offences. He argued that, given Gray’s mental health issues, a supervised probationary approach might better serve all parties involved.
In sentencing, Judge Hamill expressed his reluctance to impose a custodial sentence, remarking, “I do not want to impose custody on someone who is ill, but this could have been catastrophic.” He concluded by emphasising that, though Gray escaped prison time, the outcome could easily have been much worse, potentially warranting a more severe response at Crown Court.
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
