A COACH driver has been fined and handed penalty points for reversing into a wall after taking a wrong turn.

Kieran Smith, of Cheshire View in Brymbo, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

The 21-year-old admitted that on January 27 this year, he drove a coach in King George Street, Shotton, without due care and attention.

Prosecutor Brian Robinson told the court that on the day in question, Smith had been driving a Pat's Coaches rail replacement coach service between Bidston and Wrexham.

His satnav had led him to take a wrong turn, and as he attempted to reverse in King George Street to get back onto his route, he collided with a wall.

It was damaged to the tune of £1,350 - as whilst it was not knocked down in the collision, it had to be replaced due to damage to the foundations.

The collision had been at a slow speed and Smith had not stopped afterwards.

But, Mr Robinson told the court, due to the size of the vehicle, he may well have been unaware of the fact he'd made contact with the wall.

Defending himself, Smith told the court he agreed with the facts as the prosecutor had set them out.

He said: "All I can say is that I apologise.

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"I made a mistake and I'm willing to take responsibility."

He handed forward a letter from his employer, in which he was described as an "exemplary employee."

The court heard the homeowners to whom the damaged wall belonged have already been compensated.

"My satnav has never sent me wrong before," Smith added.

"I was trying to get back and sadly I had an accident."

He said it wasn't until he later stopped to stretch his legs that he noticed the mark on the back of the coach.

The Magistrates handed down a £333 fine and ordered Smith to pay £110 costs, as well as £133 victim surcharge.

Smith received five points on his driving licence, which he confirmed would not affect his employment.