A RAINHAM motorist has been found guilty of driving without due care and attention after he narrowly avoided hitting school children after motorists had been asked to stop by a lollipop lady.

Ricky Bourne, 28, of The Old Orchard, was driving his car along Railway Street, in Gillingham, when he overtook a number of cars who had stopped after the lollipop lady had walked out into the road to get the traffic to stop near St Mary's Primary School.

Because he didn’t stop with the rest of the traffic, Bourne had to swerve on to the other side of the road to miss the woman and other families who were waiting to cross the road.

This is the first time in Medway that ignoring the instructions of a lollipop lady, have led to a conviction and officers hope it will highlight the dangers of driving without due care and attention.

Bourne received six points on his licence and a £315 fine, at Medway Magistrates Court.

PC Andy Ledger said after sentencing, said: “This situation could have ended very differently and the driver is lucky that nobody was injured. “At the time a number of families were waiting to cross the road and their lives were put at risk by the driver's actions.

“I would remind all motorists that crossing officers have legitimate powers to stop traffic and their instructions should never be ignored.”

“Particular care should always be taken when driving in residential areas, especially at times before and after school.

“This case highlights how seriously Kent Police takes all road traffic offences and we will not hesitate to prosecute the minority of those who decide to break the law.”

Bourne was also ordered to pay £515 in court costs.