Sue Reynolds of Reynolds Diplomat Coaches has denied accusations of knowingly giving a driving job to a man who was banned from working with children, the Ealing Gazette reported.
Sue was charged with knowingly permitted a barred person to engage in regulated activity.
Prosecutor Zahid Hussain said: “What this case amounts to is the prosecution submitting and asserting that she employed a person in gainful employment when he was prohibited from taking any activities or engagements where children or vulnerable people are concerned.
“What he did, allegedly, is he was in possession of indecent images of children.
“She states that she was not aware that he was a prohibited person and, as such, he undertook employment as a coach driver.”
Sue told CBW: “This case relates to an ongoing investigation into my employing a driver whose history was not as it seemed.
“I apologise to friends, customers and colleagues for any concerns that this press article may have raised. I can assure you that my company follows the highest level of safeguarding checking and holds the safety of all our passengers in the highest regard
“This driver is no longer in our employment. I dispute the charges that have been made against me and will fight to clear my name. I sincerely hope that this matter will be sorted out sooner rather than later.
“I would stress that this is an ongoing investigation; I am not in a position to make any observations until the investigations have reached their conclusion.”
The alleged sex offender reportedly left a school bus full of children stranded in Ealing Broadway on March 11, after he heard he was wanted for questioning by police. He was later arrested in Hastings.
The prosecutor added he did not know if the man had a caution or conviction, but said he was definitely barred from working with children.
Sue denied allowing the man to drive a school bus knowing he was barred from activity, but did say she thought he had been in trouble for selling pornographic videos.
She was released on unconditional bail until a trial on March 11 at Hammersmith magistrates court.
James Agnew, defending, said it is admitted by Reynolds that the man was the coach driver at the time, but told the court the facts needed to be determined to decide if she knew the man was barred from activity.
