A YOUNG company boss who smashed his Mercedes into the back of a stationary bus failed in a bid to escape a driving ban.

Samuel Hunter, 21, said if he was disqualified his skip hire business would go bust and four people would be out of work.

Hunter, who already had 11 points on his licence for two speeding offences and using a mobile phone at the wheel, faced being banned under the totting-up procedure when he admitted careless driving.

His solicitor Mr Mike Sisson-Pell tried to persuade Kirklees magistrates there were special “exceptional hardship” reasons why he should escape disqualification.

Magistrates rejected his argument that a ban would cause hardship for his employees.

Mr Sisson-Pell launched an immediate appeal against the decision and the ban was suspended.

Hunter, of Boothroyd Lane, Dewsbury, admitted careless driving on the A644 Huddersfield Road, Mirfield, at 10pm on May 2 this year.

His Mercedes Coupe slammed into the back of a bus near the junction with Doctor Lane.

He was fined £150 with £85 costs, a £15 victim surcharge and had seven penalty points imposed on his licence.

Mr Niall Carlin, prosecuting, told the court how a police patrol saw the Mercedes going at high speed.

They followed the car towards Mirfield town centre and found the crash.

Hunter was still in the driving seat and two passengers were injured, one with a double leg fracture.

A six-month ban was suspended pending an appeal to Leeds Crown Court.

When quizzed directly by Mr Carlin, Hunter estimated his annual turnover at £300,000 and his profit at £50,000.

Mr Carlin said that was more than enough to employ another driver if he was banned.