October 2010 Bus driver jailed for “obscene” texts to school girl A BUS driver who ferried children to school sent sexually explicit text messages to one of the pupils. David Marsden sent 122 explicit texts to the 14-year-old girl over two days. But her father read one of the messages on her mobile phone and found further damning evidence on her computer, prosecutor Gareth Walters told Worcester Crown Court. Married Marsden, 62, of Ashorne Close, slumped in the dock and held his head in his hands as he was jailed for 21 months. Judge John Cavell told Marsden his “obscene” texts to a vulnerable teenager had spelled out a crime which would have been rape if it had been carried out. Marsden, who pleaded guilty to inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, was a full-time driver for Dudley Coaches and drove pupils to and from Studley High School, said Mr Walters. He communicated with the victim for three weeks in June last year, telling her of his fears that she would tell someone. The victim’s father alerted the bus firm’s manager – who suspended Marsden – and informed the police. The defendant admitted: “It’s all an infatuation”. He claimed the girl had asked for his mobile number and threatened to kill herself if she didn’t get it. Marsden admitted asking the girl when she next had a day off so they could have sex at his home. She sent him a photograph by text of her taking a bath. Defence barrister Diljit Bachada said Marsden found it difficult to come to terms with his behaviour – and in fact had blamed the girl for his downfall. But she added: “He now accepts he was the adult and should not have acted in this manner. He is well aware how serious this offence was with a child so young.” Marsden was of previous good character and had a wife who lived abroad. Miss Bachada said he had health issues including heart trouble and depression, with suicidal tendencies. The judge passed an indefinite restraining order and a sexual offences prevention order preventing contact with children under 16. Marsden must also sign the sex offenders’ register for 10 years.