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Assault charge on bus driver has twist ending

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Jim McCorkindale

Jim McCorkindale

video
Tue, 09 Mar 2010 7:45p.m.

Jim McCorkindale is 70 years old, and has been a school bus driver for the past 30 years.

Some of the kids he's taking now, he used to take their parents when they were kids.

Families have come and gone through Mr Corkindale's bus, so when he saw a girl being bullied on a school run, he did what you'd do after 30 years on the job - he went to her aid.

And for that, he was charged with assault.

That was last July. He lived the next seven months awaiting prosecution in the Gore District Court. Last week, when he had his day in court, the tables were turned.

Watch the video.

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Comments [21]

Litutu
19 Apr 2010 8:23a.m.

Next time we see things like this, eyes straight and dont even think about intervening. As for parent, I dont think that you are a good parent. I believe your children are out of control. Get some help.

Daphne Davis
17 Mar 2010 10:15p.m.

is there any way i can donate some money to Jim. is there a fund happening? there are a lot of people on talk back zb wanting to know this also.

John
17 Mar 2010 6:05p.m.

Good on ya Jim... I too ama school bus driver and daily faced with disrespectful kids.. a lot are really good.. greet me when they get on and a "see yah" when they get off... but a small group of disrespectful kids cause quite a problem... After watching Jim on Cambell Live... Jim showed he tried to maintain good control on the bus...Sue bradford has done a terrible injustice to parents and other in Authority in maintaining good behaviour..

mother
11 Mar 2010 10:53p.m.

get on the bus, sit down, STFU , get off the bus go to school. easy.

Jim
11 Mar 2010 3:46a.m.

No, "parent" you are wrong.
The transportation of school children or any passengers for that matter is not a "two way agreement".
When boarding a passenger service vehicle of you own free will, one accepts that the person behind the wheel is a qualified professional and is in charge of the vehicle and its passengers.
"In Charge" means that if the driver says "jump" you may only ask: "How high?"
According to your philosophy, next thing we will be holding a passenger poll wether to turn left or right at the next intersection.

Jim
11 Mar 2010 3:46a.m.

No, "parent" you are wrong. The transportation of school children or any passengers for that matter is not a "two way agreement". When boarding a passenger service vehicle of you own free will, one accepts that the person behind the wheel is a qualified professional and is in charge of the vehicle and its passengers. "In Charge" means that if the driver says "jump" you may only ask: "How high?" According to your philosophy, next thing we will be holding a passenger poll wether to turn left or right at the next intersection.

parent
10 Mar 2010 8:37p.m.

There is more to this story. I have watched this with interest and note the interview has been all in Mr McCorkindale's favour. This event I do not believe has been the only cause of todays resignation as stated in the Southland Times. The past few months and last year have been a concerning time as a parent as children have on several occassions arrived both at school and at home in tears because of the grumpy bus driver, a child was injured on the bus recently as a result of a rock being thrown through the window, the driver was unaware he injury had even occured. Children have had property confiscated and have been disallowed to read books on the bus. There have been many comments posted on this site I expect most of them not fully informed of the whole situation. I note watching the video clip that the children in the front seats of the bus are not secure, if the bus had to stop in a hurry these children could be injured regardless of the reason for the stop. I understand the rules of the driver are the younger children have to sit in these seats, are they safe!! I doubt it. I struggle to believe all of the children are in the wrong,Let's remember they do have rights to be treated nicely also and until this bus driver these children have had great experiences with their bus drivers and have shown them respect. This is a two way agreement???????????.

MrMan
10 Mar 2010 6:01p.m.

This made me tear up I wish i could explain to every one why this thing happens but 3news doesn't allow me to post on information regarding corrupt laws and regulations so much for freedom of speech and living in a Democracy. lets see if you can work it out for your selfs. 1 Anti smacking law 2 kids get more rights than adults add these and you have the workings for a very corrupt society.

Demelza
10 Mar 2010 2:19p.m.

'lucy' needs to learn respect. A child her age shouldn't refer to the driver as 'Jim' but should show respect by calling him Mr. Anyway, I thought kids went to school to learn, not to play with toys!!!

Andrena
10 Mar 2010 10:53a.m.

Lucy, The bus drivers name is Mr McCorkindale. If you are of the age you are taking toys to school you should show respect for a gentleman of this age. Maybe Mr McCorkindale was wrong taking your toy from you and putting it in the rubbish but I would like to hear his side of this. Regarding stopping the bus suddenly, you don't say why. Maybe he would have hit a vehicle, animal or another child if he failed to do so. This gentleman gives his time freely to take you to school and home. He doesn't have to and your school matesd obviously show him no respect. I suggest next time you ride on his bus you smile and say hello. It is about time children were taught respect. Children shouldn't be taught they have rights until they are taught responsibilities.

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