A taxi driver who swerved across a busy road, hit the back of a car and careered into the kerb several times while taking children to school has been banned from driving for six months.

Christopher Connelly, 43, was reported to police after being seen driving erratically on the A2 between Sittingbourne and Chartham.

He pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention and two other charges related to using unsuitable tyres at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court.

It heard Connelly, who drives for West Street’s White Cab Company, was reportedly seen travelling at speeds of up to 90 miles per hour and rapidly slowing down causing a young boy in the back to be thrown forward.

He smashed into the back of a car but continued on his journey and also drove over a traffic island.

He then almost hit another vehicle, at which point the chaperone he was travelling with said: “Phew,” to which he replied: “That was close.”

Connelly, of Albany Road, Sittingbourne, defended himself, but could not explain what happened as he couldn’t remember anything.

He said he had been prescribed sleeping pills but hadn’t taken them since the previous evening. When stopped by police and breathalysed he gave a negative reading.

He has since been signed off work with illness.

Magistrates heard he already had six points on his licence for speeding offences and that disqualification would affect his career and opportunities to see his children.

However, chairman of the bench Mary Winder, said the large distance he travelled and the fact he was transporting children made the offences particularly serious.

Connelly was given six penalty points – meaning he will be disqualified until September – and ordered to pay £318, including fines, a victim surcharge and court costs. Officials from the White Cab Company could not be reached for comment.

KentOnline has approached White Cab Company for comment.

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