A BUS driver has been jailed after his momentary lapse of concentration cost 81-year-old James Prescott his life.

James Walker had been trying to mend a broken ticket machine and had taken his eyes off the road ahead.

Passengers screamed as the bus went through a red light and ploughed into the sprightly Golborne pensioner as he stepped onto a pelican crossing. Mr Prescott, a retired Camel Laird engineer, was flung onto the pavement with serious head injuries.

At Bolton Crown Court Walker, aged 38, of Winchester Avenue, Great Sankey, Warrington, was jailed for six months for causing death by dangerous driving.

Walker who had 21 years' driving experience and no previous convictions admitted the charge. The accident happened on November 12 last year when prosecutor Beverley Lunt said Walker was driving his 585 Arriva bus from Warrington to Wigan via Leigh and Golborne.

He approached the crossing in High Street, Golborne, but did not slow down when the lights against him changed to red. He had problems with his ticket machine and was trying to make it work as he approached the lights.

After the impact a passenger screamed at him: "You idiot, the lights were on red."

Walker jumped out of his cab protesting the lights were on green.

Mr Prescott was taken to hospital where scans showed he had suffered severe head injuries, including a fractured skull. His condition deteriorated and he died on November 20.

Defending Sean Brogan said Walker was a caring and honest family man who had a positive good character. As

a driver he had received a recommendation in 1993 instigated by his grateful passengers when he had avoided an accident.

Judge Derwin Hope said Walker's driving fell way below the standard of expected of a professional. He banned Walker from driving for two years and ordered he take an advanced driving test to regain his licence.