A bus driver who knocked down a woman at a pedestrian crossing has narrowly escaped a driving ban.

Grant Cannell, 44, who works for Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company, was fined £200 by Brighton magistrates and ordered to pay £70 costs. His licence was endorsed with nine penalty points.

Cannell, of Northdown Close, Newhaven, admitted a charge of careless driving.

The court heard the accident happened while he was driving a number 49 double-deck bus in Lewes Road, Brighton, on December 29 last year.

The 56-year-old pedestrian received hospital treatment for a bruised leg following the accident, which happened at about 8pm.

Katherine Travis, prosecuting, told magistrates two people were waiting to cross the road as the bus approached.

The lights changed and the green man was displayed and they both started to cross.

When they realised the bus was not going to stop they tried to step back on to the pavement but one was hit.

Ms Travis said before the accident Cannell had been chatting to two other drivers who were passengers on his bus. They were standing close to the driver's cab.

She said witnesses who saw the lights change at the crossing from green to red said Cannell did not appear to notice and did not slow down.

Martha Walsh, defending, said Cannell had an exemplary driving record and was a trainer driver.

Magistrate John Powell said the accident was serious but the bench accepted it had been caused by a momentary lapse.

He said: "You were within a hair's breadth of being disqualified."