THIS was the scene in May last year after bus driver Christopher Harrison got distracted by a passenger wearing unusual clothes.

Travellers on the top deck of the vehicle were showered with glass after it smashed into the bridge near Chestfield and Swalecliffe railway station.

Mr Harrison, who was used to driving single-decker buses along the same route, claimed that the accident happened because he was distracted by a passenger wearing a cowboy hat and asking to go to the toilet.

The roof of the bus was ripped off in the accident but none of the passengers was seriously injured.

Harrison, 55, admitted driving without due care and attention when he appeared before magistrates in Canterbury this week. He was fined £225, plus £200 costs. He was given nine penalty points.

Harrison, of Columbine Close, Whitstable, has since lost his job with the bus firm.