A bus driver was yesterday jailed for two years suspended for four and fined Lm3,500 after assuming responsibility for a collision between his bus and coach carrying schoolchildren more than two years ago.

The traffic accident took place on 27 February 2004 in Siggiewi Road in Zebbug when the route bus driven by Joseph Grech, 35, from Mqabba, collided into a coach carrying schoolchildren.

Grech admitted to seriously injuring a nine-year-old student and the school coach driver and slightly injuring another four students and a teacher.

Magistrate Saviour Demicoli heard Grech admitting to driving dangerously and recklessly, over-speeding and crossing a continuous white line.

Handing down his judgement, Magistrate Demicoli noted the seriousness of the case and jailed him for two years suspended for four. He also fined him Lm3,500 and banned him from driving for two years. Police Inspector Jesmond Borg prosecuted while Dr Yana Micallef Stafrace appeared for Mr Grech.